The Igbo Women Assembly, (IWA), has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stating that Nigerians are facing harsher conditions than they did two years ago.
Speaking on behalf of the group’s National President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, criticised the Government’s performance, highlighting widespread hunger, insecurity, and political instability.
“Insecurity is rampant across all regions. Even Abuja, the nation’s capital, is no longer safe. If the seat of power is under threat, where can Nigerians feel secure?” she asked, during an interview.
Her remarks echoed those of other notable figures. Co-chair of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum and former Presidential Assistant on Privatisation, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, pointed to hunger and insecurity as the most pressing challenges Nigerians currently face. He urged President Tinubu to declare a state-of-emergency to address these crises urgently.
Also, a Professor of Banking and Finance at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Sabastine Uremmadu, has attributed the country’s economic decline to Tinubu’s abrupt removal of fuel subsidy without adequate preparations. He criticised the administration’s over-reliance on taxation and its failure to appoint qualified individuals to key economic positions.
“Fuel prices affect every aspect of the economy. Since the subsidy was removed on May 29, 2023, inflation has soared and life has become increasingly unaffordable. The administration must restore the subsidy, reduce multiple taxation, and bring in economic experts rather than political loyalists”, Professor Uremmadu said.
The IWA acknowledged that Tinubu did not create Nigeria’s problems but blamed his government’s lack of vision and poor leadership for its inability to provide solutions. They argued that political appointments have been driven more by tribal and personal interests than by merit.
“This administration is not placing the right people in the right positions,” said Chimezie. “Appointments are made based on tribal ties or friendships, not competence. That’s why the country is struggling to find a clear direction”.
She also criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming that the party has lacked a coherent plan for governance since 2015. According to her, the internal confusion and competing interests within the party have hindered progress.
IWA further accused Tinubu of ascending to power based on a sense of entitlement rather than preparation or capability. “You cannot give what you don’t have. We don’t believe he has the capacity to lead Nigeria effectively. Unless there is a complete change in leadership by 2027, Nigerians may have no option but to continue enduring”, Chimezie stated.
The group suggested that meaningful change would only come with a new government led by capable hands. They also claimed that Tinubu underestimated the problems left behind by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, and is now overwhelmed by the challenges.
“Tinubu’s focus appears to be on himself, his family, his ethnic group, and his allies”, said Chimezie. “That’s not the mindset needed to lead a diverse and struggling nation. His administration lacks a clear direction, relying instead on a divisive strategy that benefits only a select few”.
Professor Uremmadu concluded by urging Tinubu to adopt sound fiscal policies, cut down on excessive taxation, and assemble a team of technocrats to revive the economy. He expressed hope that with the right steps, Nigeria’s economic fortunes could still be reversed.
