His Excellency,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aso Rock Presidential Villa,
Federal Capital Territory,
Abuja, Nigeria.
Dear Mr. President Sir,
A CALL TO CONFRONT GOVERNANCE FAILURES AND ALLEVIATE ECONOMIC HARDSHIP
I write to you with a deep sense of utmost urgency and grave concern about the current state of affairs in our nation. The situation is no longer palatable and immediate action is urgently required to address the escalating challenges facing our country as our nation is currently at a critical juncture. The economic instability, rising unemployment and of course growing insecurity are causing unprecedented hardship for our people as many families are struggling to make ends meet, businesses are closing down and the future looks increasingly uncertain for millions of citizens and insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues as many farmers cannot access their farmland any longer
In all sincerity, I write to you not merely as a concerned citizen but as a deeply invested stakeholder in the future of our great nation as Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, facing profound governance challenges that, if left unaddressed, threaten to undermine the socio-economic fabric of our great society.
Recent increases in Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements to states were anticipated to bring substantial relief to our citizens by addressing pressing infrastructural deficits and revitalizing local economies and other critical related fundamental pressing issues at hand.
Regrettably, this anticipated relief has been conspicuously absent but instead the mismanagement and malfeasance exhibited by several state helmsmen have resulted in these funds failing to reach the grassroots where they are mostly needed to provide succor to the downtrodden and vulnerable in the states
Mr President sir, it is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the pervasive and escalating economic distress endured by ordinary Nigerians. Conspicuously, inflation is skyrocketing, the value of our currency is plummeting, and basic necessities are becoming unaffordable for the average citizen. This economic downturn is not just a statistic; it represents the daily struggles of hardworking people who can no longer provide for their families. The cost of basic necessities no more affordable by ordinary citizens and exorbitant cost of things plunging countless families into desperate circumstances. The essential promise of governance—to ensure the welfare and prosperity of its people and security of lives—remains unfulfilled for many. The economic resilience of our citizens is being tested to its very last limits and the resultant frustration is palpable and unfathomable danger imminently looming.
Mr. President sir, the time for your decisive action is now and I implore you to exercise your executive authority to rectify these governance anomalies and restore faith in public administration.
The following measures are imperative which can be ruminated upon for possible consideration.
1). Establish a Comprehensive Accountability Framework: Implement stringent oversight mechanisms for FAAC allocations to ensure effective and transparent utilization. A robust audit system and mandatory public disclosure requirements will hold state governors accountable and deter misuse of funds.
2). Immediate Implementation of Relief Programs: Instruct state governments to launch emergency relief initiatives that provide essential foodstuffs and commodities at significantly subsidized rates. This urgent intervention is crucial to alleviate the unbearable economic pressure on our citizens.
3). Enhance Fiscal Transparency and Civic Engagement: Mandate that state budgets and expenditure reports be publicly accessible. Promote civic engagement to empower citizens with a voice in resource allocation and utilization, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
4). Strengthen Social Protection Systems: Expand and enhance social safety net programs to support the most vulnerable populations, including the unemployed, elderly, and disabled. Adequate funding and efficient implementation of these programs are vital to providing immediate relief.
5). Facilitate Economic Diversification and Development: Encourage state governors to invest FAAC allocations in sustainable development projects that create jobs and stimulate local economies. Diversifying the economic base of states will reduce dependence on federal allocations and build resilience against future economic shocks.
6). Develop a National Strategy for Food Security: Formulate and implement a comprehensive national strategy to ensure food security. This includes investing in agricultural infrastructure, providing subsidies to local farmers, and improving supply chain logistics to reduce food prices.
7). Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Foster partnerships between the government and private sector to drive economic growth and development. By leveraging private sector expertise and resources, we can enhance the efficiency and impact of public initiatives.
8). Strengthen Anti-Corruption Measures: Intensify efforts to combat corruption at all levels of government. Vigorously tasking anti-corruption bodies ethically and professionally too with the authority and resources to investigate and prosecute cases of financial mismanagement and fraud.
9). Improve Education and Skills Training: Invest in education and vocational training programs to equip citizens with the skills needed for gainful employment. A well-educated and skilled workforce is essential for driving economic growth and innovation.
10). Enhance Healthcare Services: Allocate resources to improve healthcare infrastructure and services, ensuring that all citizens have access to quality medical care. Strengthening the healthcare system is crucial for enhancing overall well-being and productivity.
Mr President sir, your leadership is pivotal in addressing these critical issues as the trust in governance and public institutions is waning as corruption amongst officials entrusted with collective commonwealth across the various states of the federation is conspicuously noticeable and lack of accountability are eroding the foundation of our nascent democracy.
Mr President sir, however by taking decisive and transparent action, you will definitely not only ameliorate the current economic plight of our numerous citizens but also strengthen the integrity and legacy of your administration.
Intrinsically, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated—our fellow Nigerians are looking to your administration for hope and concrete solutions in tandem with Renewed Agenda of your highly esteemed administration.
Numero uno, in these trying times, the resilience of our nation is being tested and yet with your decisive intervention, we can turn this period of hardship into an opportunity for profound and lasting change.
Mr President sir, I therefore trust in your commitment to the principles of good governance and the welfare of all Nigerians and I am confident that under your current leadership with the principally invoked Renewed Agenda, we can successfully navigate these challenges and emerge stronger and victorious absolutely by GOD’s divine intervention and grace.
Thank you Mr President for your attention to this pressing matter as I fervently remain optimistic that your administration will act with the necessary immediacy and resolve.
Yours sincerely,
Yemisi Ayinde, PhD
APC Member
Ikeja Ward E, Lagos State
Tel :- +234-708-633-5583
Email :- ayindeconsult@yahoo.com
