Makinde knocks Tinubu’s economic policies, says Nigerians deserve better

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has sharply criticized the economic policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu's administration, asserting that the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira have significantly aggravated hardship and worsened the living conditions of Nigerians.

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We have to reset Nigeria in every respect; our economy, our security and the overall well-being of our people. Before now, many Nigerians could sleep with both eyes closed because they felt relatively safe. Can we honestly say that is still the situation today?

Represented by Hon. Babatunde Tijani at the unveiling of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidates in Abeokuta, Makinde, who is also the APM's presidential candidate, stated that Nigeria requires a fundamental reset across its economy, security architecture, and governance system. He argued that while economic reforms are necessary, they should not be enacted without adequate measures to mitigate their impact on ordinary citizens.

"A responsible government should not remove fuel subsidies without first putting adequate palliative measures in place to cushion the impact on ordinary citizens. Instead, subsidy was removed, and at the same time the naira was floated, placing additional economic pressure on Nigerians," Makinde said. He questioned the simultaneous implementation of such far-reaching economic policies without considering their consequences for the populace.

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A responsible government should not remove fuel subsidies without first putting adequate palliative measures in place to cushion the impact on ordinary citizens. Instead, subsidy was removed, and at the same time the naira was floated, placing additional economic pressure on Nigerians.

The governor lamented the escalating cost of living, noting that many Nigerians struggle to afford basic necessities. He contrasted the current fuel prices with those before the subsidy removal, highlighting the evident hardship. "The true measure of any economic policy is its impact on the lives of the people, and Nigerians are yet to experience the expected relief," he added, questioning the government's claims of economic improvement.

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No country should implement such far-reaching economic policies simultaneously without considering their consequences for the people.

APM Chairman Sanyaolu Abayomi echoed Makinde's concerns, urging Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and support leaders capable of addressing the nation's economic and security challenges. Abayomi stressed the urgent need for a new direction that prioritizes citizen welfare, noting that government policies should consistently reflect the interests of ordinary Nigerians.

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The true measure of any economic policy is its impact on the lives of the people, and Nigerians are yet to experience the expected relief.