-Wants Country To Manage Ajaokuta Steel Coy
A University Don with the Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri, Dr. Jerry Woko, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari, on his recent diplomatic visit to Russia along with other African leaders.
Dr. Woko, a senior lecturer in department of History and International Relation and specialist in Peace and Conflict Resolution, was particularly impressed with Buhari’s speech at the Russian gathmem which he said tends to bring back old memories of the vital roles Russia, then “old USSR”, played in the development and emancipation of African States.
Speaking in an exclusive chat with this reporter, recently Woko said, “it is a step in the right direction. I love President Buhari’s speech!”. He further harped on the potentials and vistas of opportunities that can be derived from close ties and bilateral agreement being entered with Russia, saying, “Russia as a capital of USSR with her numerous Industries, military might was able to sustain itself and the seat of power, when the old powerful USSR disintegrated in the 80s”.
The disintegration of USSR according to Woko was a watershed in the annals of history of the world though it slowed down Russia’s presence in Africa and particularly, Nigeria.
He recalled that during the Bipolar era, when USA and USSR were engaged in a cold war, the Russian State withdrew most of its tentacles from around the world, hence its abysmal presence in Nigeria, presently.
He was however optimistic that should Nigeria re-establish cordial relationship with Russia as they agreed, it will lead to the revamping or revitalizing of the moribund Ajaokuta steel complex. “Nigeria would be better for it as its ratification would go a long way towards liberating Nigeria from the continued dependence on the developed countries for its raw materials and finished goods”.
He further advised the country’s leaders to consider it expedient to invite Russia to take over the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company abandoned in the 80s.
He decried the ugly and worrisome situation whereby raw materials are exported to other countries to refine and sell back to Nigeria at exorbitant prices. “Our leaders are not doing us fine”, he uttered.
“They are selfish. Left to them, we can’t achieve much, hence this time, we must dialogue with other Nations since no one is an Island unto himself. The influence of Russia and Africa has since reduced drastically hence they want to return with all their might now that Buhari has a calculated speech to restore the relationship between Nigeria and Russia”, he concluded.
