The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has called for a declaration of state of emergency on the economy, even as he joined other men of goodwill in wishing Nigerians a productive 2018.

In his New Year message, Obi urged Nigerians and their leaders to focus their energy on improving the economy. In his words: “Over four million Nigerians lost their jobs in 2017 and the unemployment rate increased from 14 percent to 19 percent. We also witnessed non-payment of salaries by contractors and suppliers all over the country all of which should be worrisome to us.”

The former Governor said the situation warranted the declaration of state of emergency on the economy.

Obi prayed to God to grant Nigerian leaders at all levels the wisdom to take the right decisions and make sacrifices that would let the country remain focused even when facing the vicissitudes of the time.

He appealed to those in authority to see the challenges the nation is facing as an opportunity to approach governance from entirely different perspectives, which, according to him, should include drastic cut in the cost of governance and prudent management of resources for public good, as well as savings for the future.

Obi also called on Nigerians to show more patriotism by resolving to be part of the project of building a better country for the children of the country.

“Above all, let us remember Nigeria and our leaders in prayers always,” he said.