ABUJA, Nigeria — A year into President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a prominent member of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Prof Usman Yusuf, has delivered a scathing critique, claiming that the government’s actions have left Nigerians more hopeless than before. Tinubu, who campaigned under the banner of ‘Renewed Hope,’ assumed office on May 29, 2023, following a fiercely contested election in February.
Prof Yusuf, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), expressed his discontent during an appearance on Channels Television’s *Sunday Politics* program. “People have lost hope. It pains me to see our people lining up to collect cups of palliatives. Renewed Hope has turned into hopelessness. People have lost hope,” he said.
Criticism of Economic Policies
Tinubu’s tenure has seen the introduction of significant reforms such as the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange windows. These measures, however, have been heavily criticized as they coincided with soaring inflation and skyrocketing costs of living, leading to widespread protests and discontent across the nation.
Despite assurances from the administration that the economic pain is temporary, Yusuf described the past year as marked by “deception, destitution, and hopelessness.” He highlighted the severe impact on the population, stating, “From next week, they will start telling us their propaganda. What have they done to benefit the ordinary people? In a span of one year, they have brought millions of people back into multidimensional poverty, they have pushed millions more children out of school because their parents cannot pay their school fees.”
Economic Team Critiqued
Yusuf also criticized Tinubu’s economic management team, labeling its members as “tax collectors” rather than true economists. “The economic team, to me, looks more like tax collectors than economists. Taxation does not grow the economy; only production does,” he stated. This critique underscores the NEF’s dissatisfaction with the administration’s approach to economic reforms and their impact on the broader populace.
Government Response and Public Sentiment
The Tinubu administration has consistently urged Nigerians to endure the current economic hardships, promising long-term benefits. However, the rising inflation and economic instability have made it challenging for many to maintain their livelihoods. The administration’s plea for patience has thus far failed to placate critics who demand more immediate and effective relief measures.
As the government prepares to mark its first year in office, it faces mounting pressure to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. The ongoing debate over the effectiveness of its policies highlights the complex and often contentious nature of economic reform in a country grappling with significant socio-economic challenges.
The NEF’s harsh review of Tinubu’s first year underscores the growing frustration among many Nigerians. As the administration moves forward, it must address these criticisms and find ways to restore faith among the populace. The path to achieving the promised “Renewed Hope” remains fraught with obstacles, and the government’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether it can turn the tide of public opinion.
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