Economic Hardship: Aare Ona Kakanfo Writes an Open Letter to President Tinubu

An Open Letter to President Bola Tinubu by Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland on Call for Urgent Reforms in Nigeria reads in full:

“Your Excellency,

*I bring you warm greetings from the over 65 million Yoruba people residing in the South-West of Nigeria, including parts of Edo, Delta, Kwara, and Kogi States.

“I write this letter not just as a representative of the Yoruba people but also as a concerned citizen among the more than 200 million individuals that make up our great nation.

“Nigeria is a land blessed beyond measure, endowed with abundant natural and human resources.

“Yet, since independence in 1960, our leaders have consistently failed to harness these blessings, leaving us struggling under poor governance and mismanagement of resources.

“When you introduced the ‘Emilokan’ slogan during the 2023 elections, many Nigerians saw it as a beacon of hope.

“They believed that, as a seasoned politician and a democrat with a modern approach to governance, you would steer Nigeria towards a better path, far removed from the hardships of the Buhari era, which was marred by escalating poverty and insecurity.

“Regrettably, the situation has only deteriorated since your administration took office on May 29, 2023. At that time, the price of fuel was less than N200 per litre, but it has now skyrocketed to over N1000.

“As the Minister of Petroleum, one must question the nature of the reforms that have led to this drastic increase, which has only compounded the economic burdens on Nigerians.

“Additionally, the exchange rate of the naira to the dollar has worsened, and despite the appointments of your trusted allies, Wale Edun as Finance Minister and Yemi Cardoso as Governor of the Central Bank, economic stability remains elusive. It begs the question of what strategies are being employed to manage our fiscal and financial policies.

“Security has also worsened under your leadership. Upon the departure of Buhari, there was a collective sigh of relief, with hopes that insecurity would be addressed.

“However, from the North to the South, East to the West, Nigerians continue to face daily threats of abduction, and in many tragic cases, loss of life even after ransom payments.

“This persistent insecurity challenges the effectiveness of our security apparatus, and one must question the nature of the briefings you receive from key security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja.

“Are their strategies truly addressing the root causes of our national insecurity?

“In recent months, frustrations have boiled over into public protests, with many Nigerians taking to the streets to voice their discontent. Disturbingly, some of those arrested have been charged with treason, simply for exercising their right to protest.

“This approach is not only heavy-handed but also antithetical to the democratic values that we, as a nation, hold dear.

“Your history as a defender of democratic principles, especially during your tenure as Governor of Lagos State and beyond, stands in stark contrast to the current stance of your administration towards civil liberties.

“The recent fuel price hike by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), an agency under your direct oversight as Petroleum Minister, has only deepened the economic despair of millions.

“This increase, without due regard for the economic realities faced by everyday Nigerians, is perceived as a brutal disregard for the well-being of the populace.

“It is imperative for you and your administration to be attuned to the struggles of Nigerians, who are now grappling with inflation, unemployment, and widespread poverty.

“Your Excellency, this is not just about policy; it is about the very fabric of our nation.

“The continuous escalation in fuel prices and the apparent neglect of the laws and well-being of Nigerians by your administration have left many feeling abandoned and disenfranchised.

“If your advisers are telling you that all is well, they are not being honest. The economic hardships facing our citizens are real and palpable, and they demand immediate action.

“Historically, when governments ignore the cries of the people, the consequences are dire.

We have seen similar patterns in the past, and we must not allow history to repeat itself. Your administration must urgently reconsider its approach to governance and take decisive steps to alleviate the burdens on Nigerians.

The path we are on is unsustainable, and without meaningful change, the stability of our nation hangs in the balance.

The inflation rate, now over 32 per cent, and the alarming unemployment rate of nearly 40 per cent, are clear indicators of an economy in distress.

Your administration’s reliance on coercive measures to suppress dissent only deepens the divide between the government and the governed. It is essential that you revisit your campaign promises and reconnect with the aspirations of the Nigerian people.

In conclusion, I urge you to reflect on the state of our nation and the impact of your policies on the everyday lives of Nigerians. The time for change is now, and the decisions made today will shape the future of our country.

Let us not allow Nigeria to be brought to its knees by poor governance. Instead, let us work together to build a nation that thrives on justice, equity, and the well-being of all its citizens.

“I come in peace.

Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams
Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland
12 September 2024