Optimists in our midst, including the religious believe that the economy of Nigeria would bounce back to normal despite the current reality of the exchange rate of over one thousand naira (#1000) to a USD. Conversely, the pessimists for their part, interestingly, hold the view that the tumbling economy would remain so if the cost of governance continues to soar. The truth is, right from the moment the subsidy on petroleum products was removed, now rumoured to have been brought back through the back door, the crippling Nigeria economy and the activities of those at the helm of affairs, as far as Nigerians are concerned, cannot be trusted. Amid the uncertainties, government spending of late has also attracted public scrutiny, especially when Nigerians have been told to tighten their belts while those in authority unfortunately, continue to expand theirs.
For example, it is alleged that the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his aides, on hotels reservation only, during the recently concluded United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the USA, spent about $422,820, equivalent to four hundred and twenty-two million, eight hundred and twenty thousand naira (#422,820,000), in seven days, while Ministers, Head of Ministries, Departments and Agencies on his entourage also had their own separate budgets for the trip. Also, the approval of #130million worth of 2023 brand of SUV for each member (360), of the House of Representatives, again revealed how corrupt and insensitive those in authority have become, especially this time everyone is practically hungry.
Putting it mildly, this government says it has come to bring prosperity and that no Nigerian will have cause to be hungry under its watch, but surprisingly, here we are today, with hunger practically sending most Nigerians to their early graves while the leaders are the only ones living in affluence. What this means is that the present government is continuing on the same template of the previous administration said it came to fight corruption, but lo and behold after eight years, Nigerians will not forget in a hurry the sufferings inflicted on them by the 9th Assembly earned for themselves the nick name of “Rubber Stamp” congress, as history would have it. Looking at all that is happening in every sector of the economy, and again how the naira is plunging at the parallel market, the time is now for President Tinubu to clearly show Nigerians the direction his government is going.
The much we hear about this government is court cases, removal of one law maker or the other and appointments of numerous aides, constituting what observers refer to as a national embarrassment. The so much talked about palliatives cannot really address the issue of hunger the government said it is combating. What the people want is sustainable programmes that would create seamless opportunities for all and sundry in the society. Now that government has lifted ban on 43 items hitherto banned, we want to see many businesses securing foreign exchange to enable them buy essential raw materials, spare parts and machinery for SMEs.
The idea of sharing the money which has remained the order of the day may not work in this present dispensation because the people’s eyes are on the National Assembly. The congress should be circumspect in taking decisions this time, and in fact, desist from enriching themselves, leaving the general masses in a state of hopelessness and penury which is the situation today in the country. While we clamour for institutions to be strengthened to enable them deliver on their mandates. Government needs a radical approach to ensure that things are done in the proper way. President Tinubu should realise that his administration is being tested on all fronts. Putting hands akimbo and allowing the 9th Assembly to go on needless spending spree, amounts to high cost of governance and corruption, as well as disservice to the motherland and abuse to the oath of office. We would like to see a clear departure from the old order and work towards reshaping the collapsing economy under the Tinubu’s government.
