The founder ,Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti(ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola has urged the Federal Government to adopt smart policy and courageous steps towards reducing the nation’s debt burden.
The legal icon,who gave this charge during the 10th unbroken Convocation Lecture of the university also suggested practical approach to defraying the Nigeria’shuge debt profile.
“Today, I make bold to suggest that we should set up a Committee to launch a Special Debt Liquidating Fund by all patriotic Nigerian.
“I will suggest that the Committee should be headed by President Obasanjo and consist of Gen. Gowon, Bishop Kukah, the President of NLC, President ASUU, President of Students Union, and members of Professional Association like NBA, NMA, NUJ, NSE, COREN, MDCN among others.
“I recommend that those on the list of the 21 richest men in Nigeria (Forbes 2022) should pay a minimum of $500million, after all we have 21 richest men in Nigeria (Forbes 2022), 10 richest men in Africa (Forbes 2022), 10 richest men in the world (Forbes 2022).
“In addition to this, Babalola says “all offshore account owners should pay $500million. All private airliners and ship owners to pay N500million, all professional associations to pay N500million. All former Presidents, all former Vice President, all former Senate President, all former House of Representatives Speakers and Ministers should also pay N500million to be paid in five instalments. All patriotic Nigerians who are above the age of 21 and not included in the above list should make voluntary donation of minimum of N1,000. The donation could be made in five instalments.” Babalola said .