Can PMB Risk Hiring Opposition Experts?

Many Nigerians are disillusioned with the present administration under PMB, because rather than improve their livelihoods as promised in an era of change, things have actually worsened. Some analysts expect PMB to drop the winner-takes-all mentality and recruit experts and technocrats even from opposition parties to help revive the economy. At the risk of sabotage, can the President afford to hire ‘enemies’ to help him deliver the gains of democracy and vital development to the long-suffering citizens?

ABIMBOLA AKOSILE

* Yes, PMB should waste no time in doing that. To be successful you need friends and to be very successful you need enemies.
– Mr. Ezenwa Chika, Ikeja, Lagos

* With the rate at which the fortune of Nigeria is dwindling, it is expected of Mr. President to drop the winner-takes-all mentality and recruit experts and technocrats who are competent, tested and trusted not minding their political affiliation, ethnic group, or religion. The president should look beyond his circle of friends.
– Mr. Augustine Ubadire, IT Student, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Ltd, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

* These ‘enemies’ are Nigerians with results in their own rights. We need these experts and technocrats more than they need us and the earlier we cut it to the chase, the better for all Nigerians, especially PMB’s administration.
– Miss Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos State

* Despite the challenges what Nigerians are facing now are mistakes of the past government. When good things are about to happen, they always come with difficult tests to try the faith of the people. It is not time to write this government off.
– Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State

* No, PMB must not make the mistake of bringing opposition parties into his government now as they can summarily truncate this government. There are yet unidentified but existing genuine experts within APC that can truly make the desired change a reality.
– Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos

* Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, so no citizen should be denied a chance to contribute his or her quota simply because he or she is in the opposition. There shouldn’t be any sectionalism, tribalism or religious sentiments e.t.c.
– Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna State

* Despite economic challenges and other related vices, Nigeria will overcome the problems. It is just a matter of time and patience; I believe good things are about to happen.
– Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State

* There should be no ‘enemies’ when it comes to moving Nigeria forward. After elections are over, we must learn to close ranks and downplay party affiliations as we move our nation forward.
– Mr. Biodun Aiyegbusi, Engineer, Lagos

* My advice is: follow the Lee Kwan Yu of Singapore’s example. Attach no sentiments in very sensitive matters of governance. God bless Nigeria.
– Pastor Bass, Maitama, Abuja

* Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is one ‘opposition’ expert we need urgently because of her experience. Politicians are never really ‘enemies’ to one another, that’s why they jump from one political party to the other with ease.
– Mr. John Ogunsemore, Lagos State

* A true leader will not be carried away by party politics. If he identifies technocrats that can help turn around the economy from other political parties, he can bring them; putting the interest of the country first.
– Mr. Frederick Ekekwe, CEO Seasoniss-Eve Nigeria Ltd, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu State

* Until he has admitted failing Nigerians…
– Mr. Acha Moses, Lagos

* Yes, he can and we should in view of the current challenges confronting Nigeria employ any experts that can and will save Nigeria from these shackles of the social economic quagmire ravaging the system. If our fate is in the hands of opposition parties we must wisely enjoin them to be patriotic.
– Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos

* Please, who are the enemies?
– Mrs. Patricia Enahoro, Lagos

* There is no risk; were there no complaints against some of the governors and ministers from onset? Nigerians concurred because there had to be a starting point. Nigerians need the desired change they voted for.
– Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna

* Are there no experts and technocrats in the ruling party? Or should we hire the same opposition’s technocrats that brought the nation to her knees? We cannot continue to do things the same way and get different results.
– Mrs. Mary Adeola Tehinse, Lagos State

* Even the so-called party members are not in one accord with him in seeing Nigeria moving forward. The Lord will help Nigerians and Nigeria.
– Mr. Isaac Olomola, Legal Practitioner, Lagos

* PMB is the President of every Nigerian; therefore there shouldn’t be any enemy. But he should look for Nigerians who have the technical know-how to move the country forward, whether they are from opposition parties or not.
– Mr. Daji Sani, Yola, Adamawa State

* There are experts who are not politicians; some are members of the smaller parties. He can choose from those.
– Mrs. Ada Agina-Ude, Gender and Development Action (GADA), Lagos

* Buhari didn’t create these economic issues, it is unfortunate that this is happening now but we should still thank God. Notwithstanding, there is nothing wrong in hiring anybody to revive the economy.
– Mr. Ayodele Ajayi, Lagos State

* The major problem we have under this administration is sectionalism. Besides ‘enemy’ technocrats in opposition parties, there are also scores of tested experts even in APC from various parts of this country, who could help give the nation a new lease of life, if called to serve.
– Mr. Ndubuisi Francis, media practitioner, Abuja

* The American example. Obama worked with experts from opposition to succeed. PMB shouldn’t hesitate to do so. Nigeria is more important than any party
– Mrs. Funke Osae-Brown, Lagos State

* The current Federal Government leadership has not shown any objective inclination. So such hire is a no go zone. At this time, Nigeria needs ‘all hands on deck’ but parochial political interest makes hiring the best hands for the job expendable.
– Mr. Utibe Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

* Bringing in experts and technocrats does not necessarily mean they will come from the opposition. However, if you have one or two that can help solve the country’s problems why not? There won’t be sabotage because our politicians are not principled. They change parties like napkins.
– Mr. Pacer Aderinokun, Surulere, Lagos State

* The national interest must super-cede any partisan politics or sectionalism. To move Nigeria forward, all hands are required on deck, and the President must employ this collective strategy. Time is of essence.
– Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos

THE RESPONSE

Yes, he can hire them: 12
No, he cannot: 2
Others: 11
Radical tip: No-go area!
Total no of respondents: 25
Male: 18
Female: 7
Highest location: Lagos (16)

Next Week: Did the FG Make a Wrong Turn?
Despite the frantic efforts of the present administration to deliver the gains and dividends of democracy to the electorate, things are not getting better and many Nigerians appear to have lost hope and patience with PMB. To you, inspite of the promises of positive change for the citizens, did this government make a fatal wrong turn somewhere in the governance process, which has led to this current depressing state? If yes, what can be done to turn back?

Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (Sept 1 & Monday, Sept 5) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, Sept 8

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