by Ifechelobi Meks
In January, 2013, Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account has $10 billion in it.
Then, Governor Rotimi Amaechi led Nigerian governors under the umbrella of the Governors’ Forum and asked then, President Goodluck Jonathan to share the money to the states. Jonathan and his minister of finance, world renowned economist, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala insisted that Nigeria should save the money for a rainy day.
Amaechi led the governors in taking the Federal Government to court. Jonathan’s led FG offered to settle with the governors out-of-court by sharing $1 billion and saving up the rest for Nigeria’s children. The governors rejected the offer. They wanted it all.
Since the law mandates that the proceeds of the ECA is shared, the court gave judgement in favour of the governors and the $10 billion was shares. FG lost, Nigeria lost, our children lost… essentially, we lost the future.
Today, the same arrogant people who shared our future are blaming Jonathan for “not saving against today”.
I wish to bring to your notice a comment made at the time this drama was unfolding and how it has turned out to be a prophecy. Pay attention to the last paragraph.
Problem is, Nigeria has more idiots than people with sense.
Ifechelobi Meks is a political activist. Connect with him on Facebook.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
