Ambassador Ajadi Slams Tinubu’s Extravagance Amidst Mounting Hardship

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Good governance advocate and populist politician, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has slammed the President Bola Tinubu administration over what he called its Extravagance in the midst of hunger and masses’ suffering.

Ambassador Ajadi, a Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), who voiced the criticism in a release on Sunday, August 4, 2024, described the president ‘s attitude as insensitive to the people’s plight.

He particularly highlighted the allocation of 21 billion Naira for the renovation of the Vice President’s residence and another 70 billion Naira expenditure on luxury SUVs for National Assembly members as examples of fiscal irresponsibility.

Read also: Ajadi Urges #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protests Organisers

According to him, even if such provisions were duly provided for in the books, the prevailing economic situation in the country should have advised the president better.

“I find it unacceptable that a president elected to cater to the welfare of the people could approve such staggering amounts for projects that do not have direct bearing on the masses’ improved welfare.

“Elected Nigerian officials already have a level of comfort; it is the masses, the common people who are suffering stress in the economy.
“The president should have prioritised welfare programmes or people- policies ahead everything else”, Ambassador Ajadi said.

Questioning how a president who claimed to have inherited a struggling economy could be indulging in the use of public funds for non-essential luxuries in an inflationary period, he urged the president to think twice

Ajadi also criticised the lack of transparency in government spending and called for greater accountability in the management of public funds, emphasising the need for prudent fiscal policies amidst economic uncertainties.

Making reference to, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on the ongoing hunger strike, Ajadi submitted that the president fell short of expectation

He said not only was the president’s address reactionary , but that it even failed to make tangible promises that addressed the issues

According to Ajadi, the president should engage the youths issue by issue, and not make merely appeals for them to stop protesting.

“I am deeply saddened by the unrest in some states and the tragic loss of lives”, as the president said. is is welcome, but after that, what next, Ajadi rhetorically queried.

He also acknowledged the government’s efforts at stabilizing the economy, but expressed skepticism regarding commitment to delivering on those promises.

The best way for the government to show seriousness to those affirmations is by action, he said

On directly supporting the people in overcoming current economic hardships, he said:

“If there is a time to talk about palliatives it is now.

“Not tokens but tangible things that address the challenges of the people.

” There is enough resources in the land to go round people.

“The Tinubu administration should come up with a programme of action to address poverty, high cost of living and infrastructure for example.

“It is not too much to ask for in a country so blessed”, Ajadi submitted.