As court cases end, Nigerians are dying….. message to President Tinubu

Leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) exhaled visibly upon the Supreme Court’s reaffirmation of the Presidential Election Petition Court’s decision that Bola Tinubu was elected legitimately in the election held on February 25.

According to Sunday Sun, President Tinubu informed the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, who paid him a visit, that the disruptions brought about by the legal challenges had been resolved, buoyed by the judicial decision.

 

He informed the visiting German leader that he could now concentrate on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda and advancing towards his principal governance objectives.

 

As the president commences effective governance without any additional impediments, ordinary Nigerians throughout the nation have compiled a list of their specific concerns that they would like him to address.

 

The foremost concern that ordinary Nigerians have for the president is the egregious wastefulness demonstrated by government officials in charge of overseeing the allocation and use of public funds.

 

In the following section, ordinary Nigerians, arranged by state, indicate where they are most adversely affected by economic and social hardships.

 

Lagos, Lagos

 

The cost of living has increased significantly for residents of Lagos, the nation’s commercial and financial capital, due to the devaluation of the naira against the dollar and the elimination of petrol subsidies. This has resulted in discontent and frustration among many residents, similar to that of citizens throughout the nation. Despite the remarkable adaptability of the Nigerian people, Orji O. Orji, the proprietor of a school, advised the government on how to proceed.

 

He stated, “The initial course of action is to reduce government spending, which is diverting scarce resources towards superfluous matters rather than critical initiatives that will better the lives of the populace.”

 

Early this year, a sack of rice was priced at N35,000. Presently, it trades for N60,000. In my opinion, the government is capable of implementing straightforward yet impactful measures to alleviate the situation.

 

“The government ought to cease amassing additional foreign debts.” It should prioritise introspection and implement measures to increase domestic manufacturing of food, products, and services. It ought to undertake a substantial endeavour to advance the solid minerals industry and other export sectors apart from oil.

 

According to publisher Dr. Grace Achums, Nigerians will only accept the government if its officials and their families abandon their ostentatious lifestyles, such as the plan to purchase a yacht for the president.

 

According to Achums, it is imperative for the government to implement a substantial financial infusion to revive the health sector, which is presently in a state of dormancy as medical professionals educated in Nigerian universities emigrate to foreign countries in pursuit of better opportunities.

 

Joseph Johnson, the strategy and marketing manager of Jesse Keayn Limited, expressed, as did the majority of Nigerians, astonishment and disbelief in response to recent media reports that House of Representatives members were provided with imported Japanese SUVs valued at more than N160 million each for official purposes.

 

Johnson, whose organisation is spearheading efforts to raise funds for the improvement of a Unity school’s sports complex in Lagos, demanded indignantly, “How could they be so indifferent, despondent, and indifferent to the severity of the poverty, unemployment, and production downturn that afflict the region?” How could they be so imprudent as to accept those vehicles when Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Limited could have provided SUVs that were equally practical, long-lasting, and cost-effective from an economic standpoint? Do they surpass those utilised by Anambra State governor Charles Soludo and various personalities who opt for Innoson SUVs?

 

“While ordinary Nigerians should make sacrifices, as stated by President Tinubu, legislators and their like in the Executive Branch are living lavishly and flaunting their wealth in public.” It is incorrect. It is one of the matters that the president ought to urgently muster the political will to address.

 

“However, he must set a good example through his leadership by advocating for a comprehensive examination of the expenditure items in the supplementary budget in order to allocate funds’ priorities in a fiscally responsible fashion.”

 

“The information emerging from the National Assembly-approved N2.7 trillion supplementary budget does not suggest that the highest-ranking officials are concerned with the plight of average Nigerians.”

 

Dominic, who is employed in Surulere, Lagos, believes that in order to alleviate the country’s hardships, the Tinubu administration should swiftly increase domestic economic productivity through the implementation of practical policies. Above all else, greater collaboration between the armed forces, security agencies, and vigilantes is essential for addressing the insecurity in the region.

 

The BENUE

 

The foremost priority of the populace and inhabitants of Benue State is for the president to tackle the issue of insecurity, rein in the escalating value of the dollar, and restructure the economy to better serve the necessities of the average citizen.

 

Mr. William Juku, a chauffeur for the state government, advised our correspondent: “The president must immediately eliminate this herders’ menace. Herders have seized agricultural land in the majority of the nation, with Benue State being particularly affected. He should prioritise security because it is the cause of the worsening famine in the nation.

 

“When the time comes to harvest the crops that farmers have planted, including yam, cassava, and corn, these individuals will bring their cattle to devour the entire harvest.” They will continue to harvest the remaining produce with their cutlasses and discard them. If you have yam barns, the animals will consume the ones they can consume and destroy the rest. If no action is taken, famine will ensue.

 

“Therefore, he should do whatever is possible to ensure that affordable food is accessible to Nigerians.”

 

Juku also expressed concern over the rise in criminal activities within the nation, encompassing armed robbery, abduction, and banditry, among other transgressions, stating that the menace has exacerbated the plight of the entire country.

 

“It is nearly impossible for both the wealthy and the impoverished to travel without being abducted. Fearful of visiting the farm, the majority of us are unable to sleep with even one eye closed. He stated, “The president must immediately begin working to salvage this situation.”

 

Mrs. Agatha Gbande, a farmer who concurred with him, stated, “The president should dispatch additional police and military personnel to our Benue communities so that we may visit our farms.” Benue people are experts in farming; in fact, it is our area of expertise. However, hunger and malnutrition have lately crept into our state due to the inaccessibility of our farms caused by Fulani herders. It is not his place to do anything about it. “That is the sole inquiry we have.”

 

Mr. James Soso, an additional civil servant, stated: “Since the court cases have concluded, I would like the president to consider the dollar appreciation issue. It is acknowledged that an increase in the value of the dollar corresponds to a corresponding rise in the cost of living.

 

He urged the president to appoint an economic committee tasked with ensuring a substantial increase in domestic production so that we can import less of what we manufacture. This measure will significantly alleviate the strain on the naira.

 

Retired Mr. Samuel Kur stated that the president should repair the economy, the federal roads in Benue, and expedite the return of internally displaced persons.

 

Bricklayer Mr. Peter Ande, based in Makurdi, inquired succinctly, “When will this palliative that we hear about daily be implemented for the impoverished in Benue State?”

 

“In addition to administering palliatives to the states, the president should ensure that the people receive them through monitoring.”

 

“We must also begin to see the fulfilment of the pledges he made to us during the campaign.” He specifically stated that he would bring a smile to our expressions. We have not yet achieved a smile. Let the commitments be physically realised. We desire that very much.”

 

Bornos Boro

 

President Tinubu ought to address the prevailing food crisis and inflation in Borno in order to prevent the demise of the populace.

 

“The suffering is intolerable; survival is becoming exceedingly difficult.” Fatalities have already occurred due to the frustration, starvation, and poor health that have been precipitated by economic hardship. Usman Yusuf, a retiree and resident of Maiduguri, advised Tinubu to make every effort to increase meals for Nigerian citizens and alleviate the exorbitant expenses associated with all necessities.

 

Trader Abubakar Adam requests that the president resolve the crisis involving the naira-to-dollar exchange rate. According to him, the widening disparity between the value of the Nigerian currency and the U.S. dollar is causing prices for goods, including petrol and other necessities, to soar astronomically.

 

“We cannot proceed in this manner. We are suffocating already. Tinubu ought to take prompt action in light of the court’s declaration of his victory. Adam implored, “We have been patient enough; he should take immediate action.”

 

Alhaji Tijjani Bukar, who was displaced from his residence in Maiduguri during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency several years ago, advocated for a more rigorous and assertive execution of President Tinubu’s strategy to address security concerns within the nation.

 

He stated that the time had come for the president to unveil his strategy regarding the Northeast and how he would tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security concerns plaguing the nation.

 

“As far as I am aware, the president has not unveiled a security agenda.” Since May, he has been contending with this petroleum subsidy issue. “Now that the election cases have been resolved, he ought to brief Nigerians on his strategy for Northeast security and the nation as a whole,” Bukar stated.

 

The KEBBI

 

Similar to citizens of other states, the inhabitants of Kebbi State desire an immediate improvement in the nation’s security situation.

 

Additionally, they demand that the government repair the deteriorating federal roads and refineries.

 

Mr. Baba Adamu, a local resident, expressed the following: “I urge our president to investigate the security apparatus in our state and throughout Nigeria.” It is recommended that he issue a directive to the Service Chiefs, stating that they must confront the situation or be dismissed if they are unable to resolve the security challenges that we are presently encountering.

 

“Secondly, the president should ensure that our oil refineries are operational, notwithstanding the possibility that only one of them could begin operations this year.” Youth in this nation are also in need of employment. Mr. President, employment opportunities and employment should be created for the nation’s young.

 

Additionally, INEC requires a complete reorganisation. “Mr. President, in order to ensure that our forthcoming elections are of a higher standard and universally accepted, it is recommended that the independent electoral commission be reorganised.”

 

Mallam Usman Bala, an additional resident and civil servant, advocated for the president to permit unrestricted trade across all Nigerian borders, with a particular emphasis on rice and other cereals, in order to alleviate the exorbitant prices associated with these commodities.

 

Bala declared, “Mr. It should be demonstrated that the President respects the masses. The exorbitant price of sustenance is excessive. Their prices for garri, yam, rice, semo, and groundnut oil are excessively exorbitant. Once more, the federal roads in the state of Kebbi are perilous. It is incumbent upon President Tinubu to come to our aid. Each day, our citizens and motorists perish on these roads. It is imperative that his presidency does not resemble that of the individual who was elected president but failed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

 

“Education should also be provided at no cost or subsidised.” However, if our people were to obtain the highest level of safety in every village and municipality, farming would be an impossible means of subsistence. “Therefore, it is imperative that the President ensure our safety in the state of Kebbi.”

 

The KADUNA

 

Concerning the desires of President Tinubu, Elder John Fwah, a community leader from Kaduna, stated: “It is indisputable that President Tinubu took office approximately five months ago to a substantial backlog of issues. These issues are not novel, and the citizens of Nigeria hold nothing in high regard for anything that could impede the progression of their physical and spiritual welfare.

 

“Security ought to be the president’s top priority and primary concern,” as any Nigerian who lived through “hell fire” under the previous administration would attest.

 

“In Nigeria, security has become such a monstrous problem that citizens are forced to sleep with one eye open.” As the administration put forth during the pre-election campaign, security stands as the most critical facet.

 

“In Nigeria, security has obscured the realities of all facets of life.” Due to the pervasive issue of insecurity, the nation’s socio-economic condition is so dire that it is impracticable to even consider undertaking any concrete undertakings.

 

“Nigerians are deeply concerned regarding the protection and preservation of life and property, which the president solemnly pledged to safeguard. Therefore, Nigerians are urging the president and his team to prioritise security as an urgent and critical matter. Nevertheless, this does not imply that the president should remain silent on matters such as economic infrastructure, education, or healthcare.

 

Similarly, the Arewa Think Tank, led by Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, advocated for President Tinubu to embrace the virtue of forgiveness and unite all individuals, regardless of their political affiliations.

 

Yakubu stated that the president should now prioritise good governance for the people and honour every pledge he made during his election campaign.

 

“President Tinubu should immediately mitigate the impact of the elimination of fuel subsidies, which has caused severe socioeconomic hardship for the majority of Nigerians.”

 

“At this critical juncture, it is incumbent upon every Nigerian, but especially the president, to assume a proactive role in promoting good governance by substantiating his rhetoric with tangible measures that benefit the populace.

 

“I strongly urge President Tinubu to establish a committee to investigate the recent allegations made by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) that between 2020 and 2021, more than $15 billion and an additional N200 billion designated for refinery maintenance have gone missing and unaccounted for.

 

“The claim that N200 billion allocated for refinery repair and US$15 billion in oil revenues have vanished without a trace constitutes a serious breach of public confidence and the stipulations of the Nigerian Constitution.”

 

“Additionally, I urge President Tinubu to ensure that all individuals suspected of being accountable for the missing and unaccounted public funds are identified and shamed, and that their effective prosecution and the complete recovery of any proceeds from the crime are ensured,” he stated.

 

EDO

 

Individuals who have travelled between states and were required to pass through Benin, the capital of Edo State, in order to reach Delta State and the Southeast states, or who terminated their voyage in Benin, can readily recollect the distressing ordeal of being ensnared in traffic congestion for a duration of three to four hours.

 

It is a torment. Imagine a situation such as this involving an expectant woman. By imagining oneself in that predicament, one can easily understand the sentiments expressed by Solomon Okoduwa, an activist, to our correspondent: “We implore President Tinubu to immediately attend to the condition of every road in the federation of Nigeria.” At present, all Nigerian roads are in a written-off condition. The state of the highways is truly appalling. Even the Benin bypass is not an experience that should be desired by an adversary.

 

Our objective is to determine strategies for procuring goods at a reduced price at the market. Such is the sort of sight we seek. Although we may prefer to avoid hearing about the economic upturn, the indices must be tangible and perceptible in our daily lives and at the dinner table. You purchase a container of tomatoes at the market and consume it over the course of one month. The man from Nigeria desires to see that. Although events are being reported on television and in the newspaper, the reader does not perceive the physical consequences on themselves.

 

“Mr. Tinubu must devise a strategy to reverse the escalating inflation that is afflicting Nigeria at the moment.” As we speak, a great number of individuals are unable to operate their vehicles or pay their children’s school fees due to the severe economy that has resulted from the elimination of the petroleum subsidy. Immediate action is required of him to reduce it within the next few days. Let us take a visual examination of the rail stations and vehicles that will grace our diverse roadways, just as we have done in Europe.

 

Ekeleyede Rick Odion, for his part, stated, “I want him to address electricity issues and strengthen the economy. Once each of these tasks is completed, everything will be in order.

 

Jonathon Enegide, an attorney, also commented: “I anticipate a reassessment of the matter concerning disproportionate appointments and a turnaround in the economy. It is a repetition of events that transpired during President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure.

 

“I anticipate that specific provisions of the Constitution pertaining to the character of the federal government and the calibre of individuals, tribes, and nation will be upheld in order to ensure that all parties are aligned.”

 

UNUG U

 

The sole sentiment expressed by the residents of the state in the Coal City of Enugu is as follows: “Reduce the prices of petroleum products at the pump; we are suffering from extreme hardship.”

 

Precious Ali, an iwolo-based student at Enugu State Polytechnic, implored President Tinubu to examine the plight of the Nigerian populace with a critical eye and devise immediate solutions.

 

She stated, “President Tinubu should do everything possible immediately to ensure that the price of fuel and all petroleum products at the pump is brought within the financial means of the average citizenry of the country.” This is due to the fact that the increase in petroleum costs has caused the prices of all other products, especially food, to soar. How do you expect us, as students, to manage when a litre of petrol costs N1,100, a cup of rice costs N200, and so forth? We are in fact in great pain.

 

“Instead of implementing the student loan programme, the president should abolish it and establish tuition-free higher education because the loans must be repaid and not all individuals could afford to utilise the facility.

 

“Moreover, I urge him to contemplate Nnamdi Kanu’s release without delay, as his detention is doing more damage than good, particularly in the Southeast. Priority must be given to security concerns in order to attract foreign investors who will generate additional employment opportunities. He should also permit genuine federalism, in which states develop themselves internally rather than relying on federal funding.

 

Oshim Benedeth, an additional student, expressed concern over the country’s severe insecurity and implored President Tinubu to do more than merely make empty rhetoric regarding the matter of safeguarding Nigeria.

 

“Once more, the president should implement a policy that ensures employment opportunities for the nation’s teeming youth,” he stated.

 

Ikechukwu Ezeh, a mechanic for motor vehicles, stated, “All that we want Tinubu to do is reduce the cost of petroleum. It is the source of every difficulty we are currently experiencing. Emptyness pervades my workshop, as is evident. Having prepared their vehicles, individuals are unable to fuel them. Everything is extremely expensive at the market because of the high cost of transporting the products. So, allow him to reduce the price of petroleum products.”

 

Regarding Amarachi Offojama: “You are discussing a period of three and a half years, whereas I am speaking of the present day; I fear for the fate of Christmas if nothing is done to reduce the exorbitant price of fuel.” We have been dealt a fuel subsidy deprivation since his removal. Permit him to substantially reduce the price of petroleum products at the spigot. “Because they have an almost universal impact.”