Nigerians bemoan year 2012, say not as prosperous as expected

A cross section of Nigerians said the outgoing 2012 has not been as prosperous as expected, considering the era of a democratic government.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that it could have been better “if only our leaders could muster the political will to make it better.

Mr Olaitan Adams, a civil servant with the Lagos State Government, said things were just depreciating year by year, “the rich getting richer and poor getting poorer.

“I have been in the service of Lagos State for six years now, and I don’t have a car and savings, I live in perpetual fear of the unknown.

“Last year, I was able to take my family on a treat, but this year, even cooking on Christmas day will be a miracle,” he said.

Mrs Ann Keshinro, an entrepreneur, said she is not impressed with the rate of growth of the economy in spite of the democratic government.

“The rate of growth of upcoming or small and medium scale businesses is a proportional percentage of the rate of growth of the economy and vice versa.

Mr Titilope Bamgbala, a real estate manager, said the country had the potential to turn its fortunes around within four years with the right leaders.

“The real estate industry has been affected by the dwindling economy and standard of living, property now is for the rich.

“Everybody is entitled to a decent accommodation no matter the income level and it’s the duty of government to ensure this, as it is constitutional.(NAN)