Nigerians Overseas Will Invest In The Nation’s Economy Only When There Is Good Governance And Security— Chief Sodje

By John Tega

Chief Edafetanure Sodje, an indigene of Kokori Inland, Delta State, based in the United States of America (USA), has said that Nigerians overseas have a strong desire to be part of the process to birth the next chapter of Nigeria’s success story.

Speaking to Oasis Magazine (OM) during an exclusive online chat, Chief Sodje added: “Those of us in America find it hard to bring companies over here to Nigeria to develop our country because of the security challenge and poor style of leadership by those in authority.

He continued: “In a nut shell let them give us good governance and good leadership and those of us abroad will not hesitate to invest in the Nigerian economy. They must also promise to protect our interests if we eventually decide to.”

According to him, Nigerians in America have not benefitted enough from the present Buhari-led government.

His words: “The only benefit and this is negative is the high exchange rate and l can stand and say from my point that the change they promised us never came.

“Buhari’s administration was seen to be the solution but from the last few years it has been a disappointment to the Nigerian people. The fight against corruption cannot be the only focus for an administration. He needs to look into youth empowerment, debt elimination, restructuring and the health and educational systems. He also must focus on security, roads, power supply, education and the development of the Niger Delta. The ministers that were appointed were not the best.”

Speaking about Atiku’s candidacy he said: “This will be good for Nigeria since he is a business man and also a former VP. So, he already knows what to expect going in for that office. He has a quality that accommodates every Nigerian, not putting tribe or religion as a factor to determine who he relates with.”

He said further: “One of the best decisions that Atiku has made is picking Peter Obi as his running mate. With their business and disciplined minds, the economy stands a chance in recovering and putting Nigeria back where it should be.”

Continuing, he said: “Because of my positions, l meet with politicians who have great respect for Nigeria and cannot understand why we are in this bad state as a nation. For us here, our stand is we need security and respect for lives and property, not minding religion, gender and tribe, but a nation where there is unity and love for each other.

“Buhari’s administration has not helped and does not show any sign of moving us in the right direction. I have one question for our Nigerian people back home. Are you happy with our situation? The answer to this question should give them the direction they should go in 2019.”

Reacting to Governor Okowa’s second term bid he said: “Our leader has done well despite what was handed him by the last administration. We have to understand that if you are earning $1 you cannot spend $4. It does not make sense so let us be patient and give him a second term and not change what was put in place by the PDP structure.

“We cannot leave all to the Governor but roll our sleeves and work hard to see the success of the administration.”

Chief Sodje was educated in the United Kingdom and the United States of America and has Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology. He also has a Masters degree in Health Administration and presently seeking to obtain a Master’s degree in Medical Law.

He is married with children and presently resides in Atlanta GA, USA.

He is the Vice Chairman, Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC), GA USA and several political positions he has held include Secretary, South-South PDP, New Jersey, Acting Chairman, South-South PDP, New Jersey.

He is a member of UPU GA USA.