EDITORIAL: Mr. President, These Two Years Are Excruciatingly Painful: People Are Dying

BY TONY OKAFOR

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his second anniversary in office, Nigerians are grappling with the harsh realities of economic hardship, insecurity, and a general sense of disillusionment.

The All Progressives Congress( APC) leadership insists that the administration has performed above average, but the opposition and many Nigerians beg to differ.

The economic policies implemented by the Tinubu administration, including the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, unification of the forex policy, and naira devaluation, were meant to stimulate economic growth.

However, these policies have had devastating consequences, including skyrocketing inflation, high costs of living, and unprecedented levels of poverty.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, inflation has risen to 36.5%, while the naira has depreciated to N1,600 per dollar, making imports unaffordable for many businesses.

Most Nigerians have condemned the APC-led administration for its incompetence, lack of transparency, and anti-people policies.

The government’s actions have deepened poverty, increased insecurity, and burdened Nigerians with unsustainable debt.

The removal of fuel subsidy has been particularly criticized as a reckless and insensitive decision that has triggered widespread hardship.

The government’s borrowing spree, which has seen the national debt skyrocket from N49 trillion to N144 trillion in just two years, has also raised concerns about the country’s economic sustainability.

The security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated under the Tinubu administration.

The resurgence of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and banditry has claimed countless lives and displaced many more.

According to the Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria’s terrorism score has worsened, ranking 15th globally.

The government’s inability to address these security challenges has emboldened criminals and created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

Some optimists however believe that certain Tinubu policies are necessary for long-term growth and development.

They urge the government to implement targeted support systems to protect vulnerable groups and help small businesses stay afloat.

For instance, a subsidy replacement programme that provides direct cash transfers to low-income households could mitigate the impact of subsidy removal.

As a democratic activist, President Tinubu should prioritize Nigerians’ welfare and revisit economic policies.

The government must address security challenges and ensure citizens feel safe and protected.

While the Tinubu administration has had successes, such as the student loan programme, the failures and challenges facing Nigerians cannot be ignored.

We appeal to the President to listen to his people and work towards creating a more prosperous and secure Nigeria for all.
Only then can we truly say that his administration has lived up to its promise.