Economy: We are in for a rough ride – Dogara; blames Jonathan for not investing

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara has attributed the current economic crisis in the country to what he termed “easy choices made by former President Goodluck Jonathan,” this is just as the House leader told Nigerians to prepare for a ‘rough ride.’
Dogara, who made this assertion, Sunday, during the child dedication service of a member of the House, Olusegun Odebunmi, at The Citi­zens Church, TCC, Abuja, called on Nigerians, particularly Christians, to pray for God’s intervention in the country’s affairs.
Dogara regretted that the immediate past administration did not invest in or diversify the economy of the country when the price of crude oil sold for about $110 per barrel in the international market.
“All challenges we are faced with are as a result of our choices. When we had the opportu­nity to make hard choices, we went for easy ones and that is why we are boxed in a corner.
“From about $110 per barrel price for crude, we are now aver­aging about $40 per barrel because of the crisis in the Niger-Delta; we used to earn about $110 on 2.2 mil­lion barrels a day.
“Right now, it’s about $40 on about 1.2 million barrels per day. So, you would see now that our national wealth has gone down by as much as 50 per cent.
“Unfortunately, when we had those wonderful periods, we did not invest. We did not diversify our economy and so, we are in for a rough ride.
“The roads may not be smooth, but, the truth is that most roads that often lead to wonderful destina­tions are not smooth.”
The Speaker maintained that irrespective of the situation, Christians should see reason to celebrate Democracy Day, insisting that it is time people turned to God for divine intervention instead of murmuring and lamentation
“With prayer, God can raise men and women of impeccable character who can contribute their quota in national development and transformation,” Dogara said.