The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has delivered a stark message to President Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to address the acute suffering of Nigerians under his administration. In a statement issued on Wednesday, YCE emphasized the need for the President to prioritize short-term relief measures for the populace before pursuing long-term visions.
Chief Oladipo Oyewole, Secretary General of YCE, articulated the deepening crisis faced by millions of Nigerians, who are grappling with severe shortages of food, fuel, and electricity. He called on President Tinubu to revisit his policy strategies and implement immediate measures to alleviate the widespread discomfort.
“Nigerians Are Suffering Deeply”
In the statement, YCE expressed grave concern over the current state of the nation. “Going by scanty information available on Government pursuits and activities, there is presently a lot of suffering in the land,” the statement read. YCE highlighted the stark contrast between the government’s long-term goals and the immediate needs of the people.
The council criticized the official increase in the price of petroleum products (PMS), which has exacerbated the hardships faced by Nigerians. YCE stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of democracy reach the populace through effective governance rather than mere distribution of palliatives that fail to reach those in need.
Call for Effective Governance
The council urged the Federal Government to focus on enhancing the quality of living through tangible governance improvements. “The Federal Government ought to immediately pursue every avenue to make available to our people the dividends of democracy,” the statement asserted. YCE emphasized that Nigerians are entitled to enjoy the country’s common resources and that the administration must urgently address the immediate needs of the citizens.
Revisiting the Drawing Board
YCE called on President Tinubu to reassess his approach and prioritize the short-term needs of Nigerians while continuing to work towards long-term development goals. “Mr. President should, without delay, revisit his drawing board to attend to the immediate needs of Nigerians,” the statement said. The council stressed that administrative changes are crucial for improving the welfare of the populace and ensuring a comfortable and harmonious living environment.
The Bitter Pill of Current Hardships
YCE concluded with a strong demand for immediate action from the administration. “The state of this nation today is a pill that has a bitter taste,” the statement declared. The council urged President Tinubu to swiftly implement measures that will alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and steer the country towards better governance and improved living conditions.
As Nigeria continues to face significant economic and social challenges, the Yoruba Council of Elders’ call for urgent and effective intervention underscores the pressing need for the government to balance its long-term ambitions with the immediate needs of its citizens.
