The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), on Wednesday, told President Ahmed Tinubu, in an unmistakable term, that Nigerians are ‘suffering deeply’ under his administration asking him to meet short term needs of the people before pursuing a long term vision.
The elders’ council through its Secretary General, Chief Oladipo Oyewole, stressed that millions of Nigerians living without food, fuel and light, President Tinubu needs to go back to drawing board and fashion out measures that will bring immediate comfort to the people.
YCE, in a statement, noted that it remains hopeful that Nigeria will have a turnaround.
“However, going by scanty information available on Government pursuits and activities, there is, presently, a lot of suffering in the land.
“Be that as it may, we of YCE stand on our strong position that the interest of the masses to live a good life should be given full attention.
“Without regular supply of electricity and with the official announcement of increase in the price of petroleum products (PMS), the current hardship cannot but be increased in daily living by Nigerians.
“The Federal Government ought to immediately pursue every avenue to make available to our people, the dividends of democracy. Not through distribution of palliatives (that does not seem to filter to the bottom) but by putting in place avenues to enhance proper and quality living through effective governance administration.
“Every Nigerian should be entitled to enjoy our common resources indeed, Nigerians are suffering deeply at this time….. No light, no fuel, no food.
“Mr. President should, without delay, revisit his drawing board to attend to the short term needs of Nigerians (the immediate needs of the people) whilst pursuing the long term vision of making Nigeria a better place for growth and for development.
“As Elders, we demand immediate succour for the people to boost the welfare of Nigerians so that all can live in comfort and harmony. As far as this elders council is concerned, a lot of administrative work by Government is (absolutely) required for the masses of this country to live, stay alive as respectable and responsible people.”
The state of this nation today, YCE said, is a pill that has a bitter taste.
“The Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should do something quickly to ensure proper steering of its intentions to establish and install better governance in Nigeria. Infact, the Presidency should do all possible to alleviate the suffering of all Nigerians immediately and without delay.”
VANGUARD
