Ijaw youths leaders of thought have said that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu economic policies are harsh and are causing hardship in the country.
Thr group chairman, Comrade Jackson Agbor, stated in a press release at the weekend, said ”Amidst a reflection on the aspirations and expectations of the Nigerian people, whose hopes were ignited by the promises articulated during your renewable hope campaign. As a group deeply invested in the progress and prosperity of our nation, we write to express profound concerns regarding critical issues that continue to afflict our Nation.
”The dire economic hardship that has befallen our beloved nation, Nigeria. As the giant of Africa, it’s so disheartening to witness millions of our fellow citizens struggling to make ends meet and facing unprecedented challenges in their daily lives.
”The challenges faced by Nigeria are multifaceted and require immediate attention. One of the pressing issues is the removal of fuel subsidy without a well-thought-out plan or adequate measures in place to mitigate the impact on the populace. This decision, though well-intentioned, has inadvertently contributed to the escalation of economic hardships across various sectors of our country” He stated.
According to him, ”As the leader of our great nation, Your Excellency, there lies a fundamental responsibility upon your administration to address and alleviate the economic hardships plaguing Nigeria. It is imperative that comprehensive policies and strategies be implemented to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and create a more equitable society. Investments in infrastructure development should be prioritized. By improving our transportation networks, energy systems, and public facilities, we can attract foreign investments, create job opportunities, and enhance overall productivity. Additionally, diversifying our economy beyond oil is crucial. We must encourage and support sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and tourism to reduce our over-dependence on oil revenues. This will lead to a more resilient and sustainable economy that can withstand external shocks.
”Furthermore, the establishment of a robust social safety net is essential to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. By implementing programs that provide access to healthcare, education, and basic necessities, we can ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the pursuit of a better life. A strong social safety net will also alleviate the burden on families and empower them to contribute to the nation’s development.
”The current state of affairs, characterized by the unprecedented surge in the exchange rate of the dollar and the persistent challenge of inadequate electricity supply, stands as a testament to the pressing need for decisive and strategic interventions. These issues not only undermine our national dignity but also hinder our collective pursuit of a better quality of life.
”The soaring exchange rate of the dollar has inflicted immense economic strain on businesses, households, and the overall stability of our economy. It has eroded purchasing power, stifled investment opportunities, and engendered widespread uncertainty among citizens and investors alike. The consequent ripple effects reverberate across various sectors, exacerbating the socio-economic challenges faced by Nigerians on a daily basis.
”’The chronic deficiency in electricity supply represents a glaring national embarrassment, underscoring systemic failures in infrastructure development and energy management. The absence of reliable electricity undermines industrial productivity, impedes technological advancement, and compromises the well-being of citizens, particularly in rural areas where access to basic amenities remains a distant dream.
”Transparency and accountability must be at the forefront of our efforts to combat corruption and mismanagement of public funds. These vices have long hindered our progress and eroded public trust. By strengthening our institutions, promoting integrity, and holding accountable those responsible for malfeasance, we can create an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth and development.
”The insecurity in the country become so alarming and uncontrollable which Nigerians being kidnapped on daily basis with the exchange of huge amount of money for ramsom to get released at the expense of the poor citizens and for that, people could not go about their normal business activities and farm land that would fetch them money for their families to survive.This is pathetic situation for a country where a sitting president who is the Commander in Chief of Arm Forces couldn’t use his veto power to clampdown the kidnappers,terrorism, herdsmen attack on communities and other social vices that bedeviled us as a nation.The federal government as not shows any atom of readiness to fight against kidnapping, banditry, and herdsmen attack on innocent Nigerians going about to do their businesses as we all experience on daily basis, which also resulted to cause more hardship in the country. This is a total disappointment from the APC led federal government who has failed to fulfilled his renew hope campaign agenda and causing more pains and hardship with wrong policies to satisfied their own selfish interest and leave the Masses in perpetual poverty and suffering.
Insecurity is indeed a significant issue of concern in Nigeria. The country faces various security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and herdsmen-farmers conflicts. These issues have led to loss of lives, displacement of communities, economic disruptions, and a general sense of fear and instability among the populace.
Factors contributing to insecurity in Nigeria include poverty, unemployment, weak governance, porous borders, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, ethno-religious tensions, and political instability. Additionally, corruption and inadequate law enforcement have exacerbated the situation by undermining efforts to address security threats effectively.
To address these challenges, concerted efforts are required from the government, security agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders. Strategies such as improving intelligence gathering, enhancing security infrastructure, addressing root causes of conflict, promoting inclusive governance, and fostering inter-community dialogue and reconciliation are essential for restoring peace and stability in Nigeria.
In light of these pressing challenges, we urge you, Mr. President, to prioritize the formulation and implementation of pragmatic policies that address the root causes of our nation’s woes. Specifically, I implore you to:
1. Reassess the decision to remove fuel subsidies and chart a path towards equitable and sustainable energy pricing mechanisms that prioritize the welfare of all citizens.
2. Expedite efforts to overhaul our energy infrastructure and expand access to reliable electricity, thereby catalyzing economic growth, industrial development, and social progress.
3. Initiate urgent measures to stabilize the exchange rate of the naira, restore confidence in the financial markets, and safeguard the purchasing power of the Nigerian people.
4. Foster an enabling environment for business growth and innovation by opening borders, streamlining regulatory processes, and incentivizing entrepreneurship and investment.
As the custodian of our nation’s destiny, you possess the mandate and the moral imperative to steer Nigeria towards a future defined by resilience, prosperity, and inclusive development. Your leadership, guided by wisdom, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the public good, has the power to transform our collective aspirations into tangible realities.
The challenges we face are immense, but they are not insurmountable. With decisive leadership, unwavering commitment, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we can overcome these hardships and restore Nigeria to its rightful place as a prosperous nation.
In conclusion, we implore you to heed the voices of the Nigerian people, to embrace dialogue and consultation, and to chart a course of action that reflects the values of integrity, accountability, and justice. Together, let us forge a path towards a Nigeria where opportunity flourishes, dignity thrives, and hope endures” the statement added.
