The Convener of the Big Tent Coalition that constitutes the Third Force, Prof. Pat Utomi, has announced the reconstitution of the Coalition’s Policy/ FutureView team to drive an issue based campaign to liberate Nigeria in 2023.
In a statement personally signed by him, Prof. Pat Utomi, a political economy expert, activist, politician, and business angel, stated that the National Policy Review and Futureview Team will “enhance the functioning of Democratic Institutions and begin to restore legitimacy to government.” The list contains such names as renowned UK based Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrics, Dr Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Aisha Yesufu, Dele Farotimi, Prof. Auwal Aliyu, Amb. Joe Keshi, General Henry Ayoola (Rtd) amongst others. The Senior Advisors to the Team includes Prof. Attahiru Jega, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Femi Falana (SAN), Olutola Mobolurin and Prof. Isawa Elaigwu
This Policy Team has a duty to be manifestly ethical, accountable, and live a disavowal of corruption. Due care has been taken to have a team that includes very experienced older leaders, creative and highly exposed younger people, women, the physically challenged and patriots from all parts of Nigeria. They are also drawn from the academic community, policy arena, domain of praxis, civil society, and politicians active in the field. In assembling this group of citizen actors for the people, primary consideration has been given to competence, passion, inclusion, and commitment to the unity and security of Nigeria and advancing the wellbeing of the people, in the firm belief that a new Nigeria is possible and can be achieved now.
In addition to this team, Prof Utomi also said, “we are pleased to announce that we have set up a college of spokespersons from every state of the Federation, and the six zones, plus Abuja, to deepen the communication to the grassroots, of the work of the policy teams as they propose alternatives to extant policies in other to see a shift from revenue bating and conspicuous consumption emphasis to a production culture that will lift up the quality of life of Nigerians. This shift in emphasis which will dramatically shrink poverty and put the Nigerian economy in a place where SDG targets are advanced will form the core of the new orientation. Prescriptions will have to include practical, immediately implementable decisions that can stem the rot and reverse Nigeria’s slide".
These spokespersons, to be coordinated by the Director of Media and Communications of the Big Tent, and the Peter Obi Campaign/Labour Party Chief Spokesperson, will also communicate the efforts of the Big Tent for Peter Obi Campaign, as the Labour Party candidate leads the college of leaders working together to win the 2023 election so Nigerians can take back their country through what is truly a government of the people, for the people and by the people. This would replace the dysfunctional tradition of a government of politicians by politicians for politicians, in which the rest live in insecurity, shrinking opportunity, and economic hardship.
FULL LIST of The Policy Review and Future Watch Team:
Power: Dr. Jerome Okolo and Prof. Auwal Aliyu
Agriculture: Prof. Murtala Sagagi and Soji Apampa
Constitution Reform: Dr Muiz Banire (SAN) Chidi Odinkalu, and Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed.
Law and Order: Rtd. IGP MD Abubakar, Augustine Edet
Economy and Finance: Ituah Ighodalo, Dr. Emeka Okengwu, Remi Babalola.
Transportation: Dr. Chris Asoluka, Gbenga Ajayi
Defence: General Henry Ayoola (Rtd), Dr. Sadiq Gombe
Health: Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, Pharm Ifeanyi Okeke
Establishment and Pensions: Prof. Lilian Oby Orogbu, Amb Hassan Tukur.
External Affairs: Amb. Joe Keshi, Ms. Bilkisu Magoro.
Education: Dr Usman Bugaje, Mrs. Halima Dada-Abubakar, Dr. O. J. Yakas.
Youth Development: Naseer Sidi Ali.
Information and Culture: Dr. Tanko Yinusa, Femi Joshua, Rashida Abubakar
Women’s Development: Ms. Temidayo Nike Oriola, Madam I. Usman.
Petroleum Resources: Nuhu Yakubu, Tonye Princewill,
Economic Planning: Prof. Bongo Adi
Water Resources: Danladi Ndayebo, Atinuke Odjenima
Constitutional Reform: Bar Alfred Oloko, Wale Okuniyi, Bar. Dele Farotimi
Public Works: Dr. Engr. (Mrs) Halibat Adediran, Engr Ashana Mundi
Blue Economy Development: Prof Chris Ekong.
Aviation: Chibuzor Nwachukwu
International Trade, Industry and Investments; Prof Osita Ogbu
Humanitarian Affairs: Lolo Kadafa
Mobilization for Self Help: Aisha Yesufu
Environment: Prof Chukwumerije, Mrs Ifechidere Kanu
Labour: Comrade Precious Adewusi Hauwa Yabani
Interior: Akin Osuntokun
Science and Technology: Saminu Turaki
Communication: Hadiza Saidu
National Integration: Najatu Mohammed.
Police Affairs: MD Abubakar (IGP Rtd)
Youth Entrepreneurship: Ms Sarwi Rahaman, Dr Chidi Okpaluba.
Housing: Salamatu Yaradua.
Senior Advisors: Prof Attahiru Jega, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Femi Falana (SAN), Olutola Mobolurin, Prof Isawa Elaigwu