President Muhammadu Buhari has blamed the problem of Africa as a continent on lack of implementation of policies. He expressed worry that in executive offices and legislative chambers one would easily encounter brilliantly drafted documents and initiatives, but implementation has been the problem.
The President who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and was quoted to have made the remark contained in a statement by Governor Rochas Okorocha Chief Press Secretary at the kick off of the 48th Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region, held at Imo Trade and Investment Owerri on Saturday, October 21, 2017.
“What we need to Consistently do now is to put action behind our visions and missions as time is no longer on our side as the countdown to 2063 has long started” the President said.
He continued “The theme of this 48th CPA Conference, African Agenda 2063: Vision Master Plan, presents yet another crucial reflection point for those who today have the privilege of being Africa political elite. The Agenda 2063 spelt out a vision of an Africa that is prosperous, integrated, peaceful, secured and a continent that recognizes the full potential of its human capital and as a respected player on the global stage”.
Prof. Osinbajo stressed “The Africa we want is an Africa that works for its people, one that ensures that Africans can enjoy decent standard of living and security, freedom and one where men and women have equal assets and treatment, with respect to all economic, political and social good”.
He added “Distinguished legislators, the Power and the responsibility for rewriting the story of Africa lies in our hands; the people of our various Countries have elected us to chart a course to the Africa that they want and desire. Our democracy serves no purpose if it does not advance the well-being of our people because we were elected to think, plan and act for the interest of the majority. We will be charlatans of the greatest order if our leadership does not provide for the present and secure the future of those that elected us”.
The Vice-President further remarked “I must commend His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for the leadership he has shown and for the great work he is doing in Imo State, and for his excellent hospitality always. In the true spirit of African brotherhood and spirit, Imo State has in the past two weeks hosted not less than 3 African Centred international gatherings including the visit of two African heads of State”.
Governor Rochas Okorocha in his Speech at the event said, “one day Africa will sing a new song and we believe one day, we shall occupy our rightful place in the comity of nations. Therefore your meeting this time is apt and timely. It is a struggle to find the way forward for the African nations”.
Governor Okorocha Continued “But one thing I have come to realize is that there is nothing wrong with Africa but there is something slightly wrong with Africans in our attitude and the way we do things. But I’m further worried by the fact that if we do not act quick under the present ugly situation which our condition points out to us, we might be destroying the psyche of the generations of Africans yet unborn”.
For him “We are passing through a very difficult moment which many great nations of the world have passed through and we are not an exemption but we will one day in this our lifetime take our rightful place. My concern is about the youths of Africa. It might be shocking to all of you to know that African youths are so frustrated. We have not lived up to expectation of what we can do for the African Child. That will also anchor on my feelings that education must be given it’s rightful place if the youths of Africa must find and take up their positions”.
He added “I therefore appeal to you the lawmakers when you go home that you legislate on the issues that will impact positively on the youths of Africa. Legislate for free education so that the children of the poorest of the poor can go to School. The essence of democracy is good governance and to equip our people for a better future. Every President of a place in Africa should see himself as a father and every first lady as a mother to be instruments to provide education to their children”.
President of CPA and Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Acho Ihim said, “A well established strategy is crucial to the development and performance of any Organization because it is a plan that integrates its major goals, policies and actions into a cohesive whole. I am sure that if we are able to match our vision with actions our vision plan can be achieved”.
His words, “We, as parliaments must do our best to move beyond conferences and ensure that some of the laudable outcome of the numerous conference have direct impact on the development of the African Continent”.
