Good governance advocate and populist politician Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has harshly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its extravagant spending amid widespread hunger and suffering among the masses.
Ajadi, a Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), expressed his concerns in a statement on Sunday, August 4, 2024, describing the president’s actions as insensitive to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
He particularly condemned the allocation of 21 billion Naira for the renovation of the Vice President’s residence and another 70 billion Naira for luxury SUVs for National Assembly members as prime examples of fiscal irresponsibility.
Despite these expenditures being legally sanctioned, Ajadi argued that the severe economic situation in the country should have prompted more prudent decision-making by the president.
“It is unacceptable that a president, elected to serve the people, could approve such staggering amounts for projects that do not directly improve the welfare of the masses. Elected officials already live in comfort; it is the common people who are suffering,” Ajadi stated.
As Nigeria struggles with rising hunger and unemployment, many citizens are questioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign promises. The situation has worsened following the removal of fuel subsidies, which Tinubu previously criticized as corrupt under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Despite these changes, the expected improvements have not materialized.
Ajadi emphasized the disparity between Tinubu’s campaign rhetoric and the current realities. He noted that the removal of subsidies has led to increased hunger and that the government’s response has been largely dismissive. Non-functioning refineries, unreliable electricity, inadequate education, and the embezzlement of retirement funds have only compounded these issues.
He also criticized the lack of transparency in government spending and called for greater accountability in managing public funds, stressing the need for prudent fiscal policies during economic uncertainties.
Referring to President Tinubu’s recent address on the ongoing hunger strike, Ajadi said the president’s response was inadequate and failed to offer tangible solutions to the crisis.
“The president should engage with the youth on specific issues rather than merely appealing for them to stop protesting. If there is a time to talk about substantial palliatives, it is now,” Ajadi asserted.
Ajadi urged the Tinubu administration to implement a comprehensive program to tackle poverty, high living costs, and infrastructure deficiencies, arguing that it is not too much to ask in a resource-rich country.
In a viral video, Ajadi highlighted Tinubu’s past criticism of Jonathan’s regime, accusing the current administration of similar failings. He also referenced another viral video in which a House of Representatives member proposed salary cuts for top government officials as a means to address the economic hardship and quell ongoing protests.
“If we reduce the salaries of the president, vice president, ministers, governors, and all members of the National Assembly, Nigerians will be more inclined to halt their protests,” the House member suggested.
