Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Victor Attah, delivered a striking assessment of the aftermath of the 2023 elections, stating that it has severely harmed both Nigeria’s reputation and the political stature of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the 2024 Investiture ceremony of the Institute of Certified Sales Professionals (ICSP) in Lagos, Attah underscored the damage inflicted by the elections, citing issues of insecurity, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure.
Attah remarked, “The task of presenting Nigeria positively post-2023 is daunting. Our pre-election actions and ongoing rhetoric have left us with two significant challenges: a tarnished image and the diminished influence of our top salesman, the President. Yet, we cannot afford to lose hope.”
He highlighted the decline in Nigeria’s economic fortunes due to overreliance on crude oil and neglect of agriculture. Despite global demand for raw materials, Nigeria’s output has dwindled, resulting in lost foreign exchange opportunities.
Attah noted the failure of attempts to export yams during President Buhari’s first term due to compromised quality upon arrival at their destinations. He lamented Nigeria’s loss of competitive advantage in various agricultural sectors, attributing it to a lack of strategic planning and consistency.
The former governor’s remarks underscore the urgent need for Nigeria to reassess its economic priorities and regain its position as a global player in agricultural production.