News Investigators/ Nigeria’s first astronaut, Owolabi Salis has met former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as part of a strategic dialogue targeted at national development.
The New York based lawyer and chartered accountant who was in Nigeria recently disclosed that the move had become expedient to put Nigeria on the right democratic trajectory.
According to him, plans are also in the works to see President Bola Tinubu, Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
He noted that it was unfortunate Nigeria was still drifting after over two decades of democracy despite its potential.
Mr. Salis blamed the development on desperate politicians and a weak democratic culture.
“This is the major reason the poor continue to be poor in spite of the claim of measures targeted at lifting people out of poverty.
“This has led to a wide gulf between the rich and the poor who are dying on a daily basis due to Poverty and medical issues that should not be dying of.
“Some antibiotics are out of reach of the poor and without such, they die untimely.
“This hardly concerns the rich because they do not rely on the government for medicals and they can fly out of the country if the need arises.
“I know I spend between $4,000 and $5,000 assisting people to take care of food and medicals on a monthly basis.
“The situation is the same with infrastructure as there are so many areas lacking the necessary infrastructure, especially where the poor live.
“This is the reason we need a better electoral process, that will ensure elections are properly conducted.
“There is currently a dangerous trend that allows for rigging and writing of election results, which is dangerous for national development.
“I have been a victim before as Governorship candidate of the AD in Lagos, when I saw firsthand how election results were written when we went to inspect the ballot at INEC.
“Unfortunately, people do not trust the judiciary anymore, while the National Assembly is nothing but a rubber stamp.
“With all sense of modesty, I think I have the solution, though I do not want to discuss this in the media, but I hope to share ideas with President Tinubu and other leaders soon.”