Imperato on Nigeria, Oil, Atiku Abubakar, and President Obasanjo

January 20, 2006 (Press Release) -- “I call on the administration in Lagos, Nigeria of President Obasanjo to take a real serious look at their economy, their country, and their people. I ask President Obasanjo to take a leadership role in Africa and to show the world that he is a man of honor and integrity who stands for peace, unity, freedom, health and happiness for all of his citizens, people in the region, all around the world,” said Imperato.

For well over a decade, many experts have predicted that Africa would be the next major growth market. However due to poor infrastructure and government corruption, Africa has not enjoyed the same type of growth that other growth regions have enjoyed over the past 15 years.

“Nigeria is a very important place in the African continent,” commented Imperato, “…it is the leadership of Nigeria that can pull the African continent to the next level. Unfortunately with the corruption in Nigeria and the bad name that it has built for itself all over the world, Nigeria has been stifling itself and alienating investment for many years.”

However, Imperato felt that a concerted effort by President Obasanjo could improve the situation.

Imperato also called on Obasanjo to recognize the end of his term as president, and to support his friend and Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

In addition, Imperato also expressed his support for Nigeria’s newest governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Charles Soludo.

“I also stand up to salute to your new governor, Charles Soludo. His appointment as governor of the CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) has been an important step in the history of the country of Nigeria in order to reform its banking system, position itself to allow foreign investment and collaborations in the banking world, and increase its viability to stand out and play a leadership role in the continent of Africa,” asserted Imperato.

As a sign of good faith, Imperato suggested that President Obasanjo give his official endorsement to Atiku for his campaign in 2007, and his support to Soludo for his reforms.

“I support these men (Atiku, Soludo) and their mission. After studying their resumes and biographies, I believe that their hearts and souls are in the right place. I also send my deepest condolences to the Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his loss over the last days. My personal sympathy goes out for him, giving him all the support to stand tall, stay strong, and to keep on steering his country in the right direction,” said Imperato.

Imperato finished his statement with his hopes for Nigeria.

“I call on Nigeria to reevaluate their situation relating to strategic partnerships with other countries and to work strongly with the USA in the oil sector, manufacturing sector, natural resources sector, as well as the health and medical sector. Nigeria needs to abide by UN (United Nations) rules and regulations and to put policies in place that will stop the corruption.”