By Uche Mbah
After struggling to manage the economy without an economic team, President Muhammadu Buhari Monday bowed to criticism to constitute an economic team to advice and handle economic matters.
Critics have accused Buhari of having no interest in the economy, resulting in policies that harm the economy more than help it.
The presidency has so many advisers on media and propaganda but none for the economy, thereby giving the impression that he values propaganda more than the economic well being of the country. The Economic management team, cobbled together by the Vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, appeared to have little on no impact on the economic growth of the country.
In a statement by Femi adesina, the presidential special adviser on media, the presidency is said to have decided to change all that. Members of the team included Bismark Rewane, a household name in Money and Capital market, and Chukwuma Soludo, former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN governor.
Below is a copy of the release by Adesina.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has constituted an Economic Advisory Council (EAC) made up of the following:
1. Prof. Doyin Salami – Chairman
2. Dr. Mohammed Sagagi – Vice-Chairman
3. Prof. Ode Ojowu – Member
4. Dr. Shehu Yahaya – Member
5. Dr. Iyabo Masha – Member
6. Prof. Chukwuma Soludo – Member
7. Mr. Bismark Rewane – Member
8. Dr. Mohammed Adaya Salisu – Secretary (Senior Special Assistant to the President, Development Policy)
This advisory council will replace the current Economic Management Team (EMT) and will be reporting directly to the President.
The Economic Advisory Council (EAC) will advise the President on economic policy matters, including fiscal analysis, economic growth and a range of internal and global economic issues working with the relevant cabinet members and heads of monetary and fiscal agencies.
The EAC will have monthly technical sessions as well as scheduled quarterly meetings with the President. The Chairman may, however, request for unscheduled meetings if the need arises.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
