Says Nigerians can’t bear hardship
In a scathing open letter titled “President Bola Tinubu, time is going,” Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, has strongly criticized the current Nigerian administration, accusing it of being “indifferent, insensitive and unresponsive” to the plight of Nigerian citizens.
Adams, a prominent Yoruba leader, expressed deep disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s performance since taking office on May 29, 2023. He highlighted several key issues:
- Economic Decline: Adams pointed out the sharp increase in fuel prices from less than 200 naira per liter to over 1,000 naira, and the depreciation of the naira against the dollar from 740 to over 1,600.
- Insecurity: The Yoruba leader noted that contrary to expectations of improvement, insecurity has worsened across the country, with a rise in abductions and killings.
- Suppression of Dissent: Adams criticized the administration’s response to protests, stating, “Now that you are in government, protest has suddenly become a criminal offence.”
- Failed Expectations: He reminded Tinubu of his pre-election “Emilokan” (It’s my turn) campaign, suggesting that many Nigerians who believed Tinubu would outperform his predecessor now feel let down.
Adams directly challenged the effectiveness of key economic officials, including Finance Minister Wale Edun and Central Bank Governor Yemi Cardoso, both of whom worked with Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State Governor.
The letter also questioned the briefings Tinubu receives from security chiefs, given the ongoing security challenges. Adams warned that the recent fuel price increase by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is “an attack on Nigerians” and could potentially lead to crisis.
“Nigerians can no longer bear this economic hardship any longer,” Adams concluded, urging the administration to be more sensitive to the struggles of the populace.
