Ex CBN Boss, Moghalu Eyes Buhari’s Seat, Says It’s Time To Fix The Mess In Nigeria

FRANCIS ACHI/Abuja

Professor Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu, Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria , CBN, has declared his intention to contest for the post of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ahead of the 2019 general elections in the country.

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Moghalu said that it is time to fix the mess created by the visionless and incompetent leadership over the years in the most populous black nation in the world, as he stressed that it is time for a radical change in the political affairs of Nigeria.

The world class economist, who worked in the United Nations for 18 years also said that he has the competency, capacity and character to take Nigeria to sublimity among the comity of nations and to revive her dwindling economy.

” If elected as the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria , I will establish an economic philosophy from which Nigeria’s economic vision will be derived . Such a vision will make clear the respective roles of the states and the market , and its position on capitalism and its various adaptations – entrepreneurial ,crony capitalism , state capitalism and welfare capitalism . The economic ecosystem will operate and be managed within this framework, ” Moghalu said.

” I will create millions of jobs within a four to five – year period, establish a public – private partnership venture capital fund to support job creation through access to entrepreneurship capital,” he added.

“This fund would be established with not less than N500 billion , with contributions from the federal government and private sector funders , and be run on a non – profit basis as a private company by private sectors managers . Mutual accountabilities must be established between the government and private sector partners , and for the operating entity.

” The whole essence is to create an enabling environment for an innovative – driven economy through appropriate laws and policy, ” he said.

He, however admitted that he is yet to belong to a political party in Nigeria , but he is a member of a strong coalition of people in Nigeria and the groups are in consultations with political stakeholders, adding that he will make his decision to join a political party very soon.

“I have not announced today the party platform on which I intend to contest for the Presidency . My focus for now is the people of Nigeria and a not on party platforms that have in the past been mere vehicles of capturing power.

” While I have been approached by a number of political parties , the movement that I am part of will decide the one we will join. That decision will be based on commonality of vision and the imperative of a generational shift in leadership , and we will announce this decision in the coming weeks.

“Based on such a decision, we shall seek to build a formidable coalition of parties for the presidential election that together will represent a clean and credible alternative to the failed political leadership class that has enthroned corruption and incompetence on the governance of our country.

” It is important that we begin to focus more closely on the individuals seeking elective offices in our country and their qualifications in terms of character, competence , capacity and track record”, he said.