By Daud Olatunji

ABEOKUTA – A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN), has advised that state governors and federal legislators to effect a drastic reduction in their spending to save Nigeria from capitulating under the stress of financial crisis.

The former World Court judge, who spoke with newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, shortly after this year’s Ramadan lecture organised by the Islamic Mission for Africa , also described as “cosmetic and window-dressing” the recent salary cut of some state governors and reduction in the jumbo allowances of National Assembly members.

The lecture tagged “World peace: Islamic injunctions and the roles of Muslims” was attended by notable personalities, including the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Liadi Orunsolu, and Imam of Islamic Centre for Dawah and Research, Dr Ibrahim Mustapha.

Some state governors had announced a reduction in their salaries and the number of ministries in their respective states to save cost following the inability of several state governments to pay workers’ salaries.

While fielding questions from newsmen, Ajibola faulted the type of pay cut by the governors and legislators, saying their action was not enough.

“It is not enough, they are just still scratching it. It is cosmetic and window-dressing. They should reduce the whole thing drastically and whether they like it or not, it’s bound to come,” he said.

The former minister, however, expressed regret that majority of Nigerians are wallowing in abject poverty while their leaders and the political class are displaying excessive wealth and opulence.

Ajibola warned that failure to put in place urgent measures to address Nigeria’s parlous financial situation, the country’s Naira may become worthless and further escalate inflation rate.