Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has thrown his weight behind the planned privatization of the nation’s four refineries d there national assets, as announced by the Federal Government.
Atiku, who was the PDP presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections, said he has always championed the privatization of the nation’s economy and deregulation of the oil and gas sector for efficiency.
In a message titled, ‘Privatisation of Refineries and Other Assets: Better Late Than Never’ Atiku disclosed that his idea of privatizing the nation’s refineries was never about him, but for the prosperity of the country.
He said he feels fulfilled that the Buhari-led administration has listened to the voice of reason, by announcing the privatisation of the nation’s refineries and other assets, which according to him, have never been efficient under government’s management.
“For decades, I have championed the privatisation of our economy and full deregulation of our oil and gas sector, amongst other sectors, for greater service delivery and efficiency.
“As chairman of the National Council on Privatisation, I advanced these policies which saw our economy achieve 6% GDP growth and created jobs for the masses of our people, and amass the national wealth that enabled us exit the debt trap, and secure our financial independence.
“Even though my ideas were scorned by the All Progressives Congress led Federal Government over the years, I am nevertheless most fulfilled that an administration that once failed to see the wisdom in these sound economic policies, is now facing reality and has now embraced reason, by announcing the privatisation of our refineries and other assets, which have not always prospered under public management.
“It is always better late than never. And I commend the Federal Government for coming on board. I urge that the privatisation process be as transparent as possible, as that is the only way to ensure that Nigeria reaps the greatest economic benefits from this policy.
“It was never about me. My interest has always been the peace, prosperity and progress of Nigeria, and I am happy to share these ideas, and others, with the government of the day, for the betterment of our nation and its people.”
