By Kunle SHONUGA
The Market Leaders Association of Nigeria (TMLAN) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to create an inclusive government that will enhance sustainable socio-economic development of the country.
TBI Africa said that Mr Charles Obih, National President, TMLAN, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.
Buhari won the Feb. 23 Presidential election that earned him a second term of office.
Obih said that Buhari, in constituting his cabinet, should make it inclusive, unifying and exemplary to strengthen the nation’s governance.
“The President should reconstitute his economic team and we believe that competent people in the team would bring their wealth of expertise to further our economic achievements.
“I believe someone like Prof. Kingsley Moghalu should be part of the economic team because he has a lot to offer the country in terms of ideas that would reposition our economy.
“The affairs of Nigeria should not be about an individual or political affiliation but about issues and decisions that would benefit its citizens and serve national interest,” he said.
Obih congratulated the President on his re-election, saying that it showed the will of the people and their confidence in his ability to move the country to the next level.
Besides, he urged the Lagos State Governor-Elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to collaborate and improve dialogue with traders.
He urged Sanwo-Olu to nominate one of the market leaders as his Special Adviser on Market Affairs to represent the trading community in his Cabinet.
“We are not against progress in Lagos. We pay taxes and contribute to the state’s development.
“All we are saying is that we want to be heard and have a representative that defends our interest.
“If there is a need for government to take over a market for renovation, they should inform us and dialogue with us on relocation.
“We are tired of waking to hear news of bulldozers destroying our markets and goods. Many traders do not recover from the shock and died as a result of the incident,” he said.
Obih urged the Federal and State Governments to evolve more policies and programmes aimed at boosting economic growth, job and wealth creation in the country.
