Donald Duke: Poor Governance Fuelling Insecurity, Economic Stagnation

In a recent interview, Donald Duke, a presidential candidate from the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), has warned that Nigeria's poor governance is driving the country into insecurity and economic stagnation. Duke, a former governor of Cross River State, emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to tackle the country's challenges.

He argued that Nigeria's economy has not kept pace with its rapidly growing population, and issues like insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping are manifestations of deeper economic dysfunction. Duke stressed that unless immediate action is taken, the country risks further social and economic crises. He called for reforms focusing on addressing insecurity, revitalizing agriculture, rebuilding infrastructure, improving education and healthcare, and creating a business-friendly environment to promote sustainable economic growth.

Duke urged the government to prioritize productive investment, affordable credit, and policies that enable Nigerians to create wealth. He also urged opposition parties to unite, providing Nigerians with a viable political alternative, and stressed that political leaders must prioritize national interests over personal ambitions.

Reflecting on his tenure as governor, Duke highlighted the importance of focusing on agriculture and tourism, citing successful initiatives like the Calabar Carnival and investments in the Obudu Ranch to attract visitors, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity. He advocated for leveraging each state's unique strengths to drive development across Nigeria by identifying and supporting the comparative advantages of individual states.

Duke stressed the need for stronger investments in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare, along with policies that encourage business expansion and job creation. He warned that failure to change course would exacerbate the country's challenges, urging political leaders to pursue long-term reforms capable of restoring economic growth and improving the security and welfare of Nigerians.