Amidst the labyrinth of policies aimed at mitigating the aftermath of subsidy removal, President Bola Tinubu’s governance is under scrutiny for its efficacy in delivering relief. The Federal Government’s efforts seem to exacerbate the already grim situation, affecting not only the populace but also state and local administrations.
Tinubu’s approach has been inclusive, apparently unaffected by ethnicity, political affiliations, or religion, earning him credit in this regard. However, the general populace is experiencing widespread dissatisfaction, even among his ardent supporters. Personal anecdotes reveal the disenchantment of those who once championed his cause, now deeply affected by the repercussions of his policies.
Reflecting on the fundamental question of whom the government should serve, the philosophy of Jeremy Bentham, advocating the greatest good for the greatest number, emerges as a fitting yardstick for evaluating governance. In Bentham’s vision, the welfare of the majority determines the righteousness of a government’s actions, resonating deeply within the context of a democracy.
The abrupt termination of the protracted subsidy regime has caught the populace off guard, engendering hardships without the promised benefits. The exclusivity of palliative measures to a select few has further exacerbated the discontent among the vast majority. The palpable disparity in subsidised relief has raised doubts about the government’s commitment to the welfare of all citizens.
Furthermore, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has seemingly veered away from its core mandate of prioritising revenue generation, currently aligning more with the interests of public officials. The unbridled increase in salaries and entitlements of public servants highlights the divergence from its original purpose, ultimately perpetuating a cycle of fiscal imprudence.
The lack of fiscal restraint, exemplified by escalating public expenditure on official remuneration, perpetuates a dearth in capital expenditure, further exacerbating the infrastructural abyss across Nigeria. The relentless appointment of numerous officials amid dwindling revenues accentuates the unwise prioritisation of recurrent expenditure over infrastructural development, impeding long-term economic growth.
In conclusion, the governance under the tenure of President Bola Tinubu faces intensifying scrutiny as the subsidy removal continues to convulse the nation. The overarching impact on the populace, coupled with the systemic shortcomings in revenue management, calls for a reevaluation of governance priorities to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to national development.
