Leaders exploiting us; presidency, states, LGs have 3000 special advisers – Anyaoku

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a former Commonwealth Secretary-General on Tuesday in Ibadan endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari’s stand against the devaluation of the naira.

Anyaoku spoke at the presentation of Amb. Olusola Sanu’s memoirs “Audacity on the Bound: A Diplomatic Odyssey.”

He called on Buhari to maintain his stance and also assemble a team of economic experts on the issue.

Anyaoku, however, stressed the need to take the nation out of its present economic crisis.
He bemoaned the present exploitation of the Nigeria Presidential system by the new generation politicians, whom he blamed for the nation’s woes.

“I have worked closely with the old political leaders, who during their time were hardworking, brilliant and known for high level of integrity.

“The new generation has exploited the presidential system. The president, governors and local government chairmen now parades over 3,000 special advisers.

“Some of the state governors that cannot boast of strong revenue also have up to 30 advisers.

” A local government chairman now operates presidential system at council level,” he said.
Anyaoku who quoted copiously from the work, described the book as an instructive material for the future generations in Nigeria and for institutional development.

He said that Sanu was one of the brightest administrators in Nigeria, who lived a life of hard work and integrity

Similarly, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, a former Head of State commended Sanu for displaying exemplary performances in all the positions he occupied.

Gowon said that the book would help to boost the capacity of young career diplomats.

“I am sure that Sanu will never forget his exploits as an ambassador to Ethiopia,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book has 514 pages, divided into 21 chapters.