Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, is outraged by President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and is calling for urgent reforms to alleviate Nigerians’ growing hardships.
In an open letter titled “President Bola Tinubu, Time is Going,” Adams voiced his concerns about the worsening living conditions under the current government.
Adams lamented the economic struggles of the populace, citing skyrocketing fuel prices and the devaluation of the naira as major indicators of the administration’s failure to deliver on its promises.
He referred to Tinubu’s popular campaign slogan, Emilokan (It’s my turn), which had resonated with many Nigerians during the election period.
However, Adams expressed disappointment in the current state of affairs, noting that expectations have not been met.
“When you came with the Emilokan coinage, many Nigerians were persuaded that you would perform better than Muhammadu Buhari. But, today, Nigerians are faced with a level of economic hardship that is unprecedented,” Adams stated in his letter.
He pointed out that on May 29, 2023, when Tinubu assumed office, the price of fuel was below N200 per litre, but it has since soared to over N1,000.
He also highlighted the dramatic fall of the naira, which traded at N740 to the dollar in May 2023, but now stands at more than N1,600.
Beyond economic concerns, Adams addressed the increasing insecurity across the country, noting that kidnappings and violent crimes have surged nationwide.
“From the North to the South, East to the West, the rate at which Nigerians are being abducted is alarming. It’s as if these blood-thirsty maniacs have been unleashed on Nigerians from the hottest part of hell,” he remarked.
In his closing plea, Adams urged President Tinubu to reassess his policies, especially the “wicked and draconian” increase in fuel prices, warning that they could spark a national crisis.
He stressed that Nigerians are struggling to cope with the current economic realities and can no longer bear the burden of such hardship.