A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Funso Babarinde, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the economic challenges plaguing Nigerians, noting that “Nigerians are not smiling.”
Speaking during a live current affairs programme Frank Talk on Rave FM in Osogbo on Wednesday, Babarinde expressed concern over rising insecurity, food inflation, and dwindling agricultural productivity, urging the President and his economic team to do more to cushion the effects of these issues.
“The government should do more because Nigerians are not smiling. Statistics released daily do not reflect the reality on ground,” he said.
Babarinde particularly lamented the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a major decision that continues to impact citizens negatively. However, he acknowledged that the Tinubu administration has implemented some commendable initiatives, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) aimed at supporting students in tertiary institutions.
“The President has managed to keep the country together despite numerous changes. However, the removal of fuel subsidy has had widespread effects. Although efforts are being made to stabilize the economy, Nigerians are still struggling,” he stated.
He expressed concerns that many beneficiaries of the student loan scheme may face challenges repaying the loan due to the lack of employment opportunities. On national security, he criticized the current intelligence infrastructure, noting that insecurity and food inflation remain persistent problems.
“In terms of intelligence and national security, we’re still not there yet. Food prices remain high, purchasing power is low, and palliatives or minimum wage increases haven’t made enough impact,” he added.
Babarinde further criticized the government’s borrowing practices, warning against accumulating debt without a clear plan for proper utilization. He also accused the administration of failing to tackle corruption effectively, especially among ruling party politicians.
“There is a lack of accountability, and it has emboldened more people to engage in wrongdoing. The current government is not doing enough to prosecute corrupt individuals, including members of its own party,” he concluded.
However, in a counter-opinion, Jamiu Olawumi, former Special Adviser on Education to ex-governor Adegboyega Oyetola, commended President Tinubu’s efforts in the areas of security and economic reform.
Olawumi argued that while some reforms are painful, they are necessary for long-term growth. “The President has made deliberate moves to reposition the economy and offer Nigerians a more hopeful future. Change is not always comfortable, but it is needed,” he said.
He praised the administration’s bold steps in implementing economic reforms and urged Nigerians to see the current hardships as part of a work in progress. “Nigerians now know the strengths and weaknesses of the country. This government is laying the groundwork for lasting development,” he added.
Olawumi called for collective effort and patriotism, stating that the Tinubu administration is committed to rebuilding and giving hope to Nigerians.
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