The Nigerian Presidency has strongly criticized state governors and council chairmen for failing to address the food crisis and hardships in the country. In a bold statement, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the need for local leaders to take responsibility and contribute to food production.
Onanuga expressed disappointment in the tendency of governors to attribute food shortages to the Federal Government, asserting that they should focus on improving conditions within their own jurisdictions. He urged governors to prioritize efforts to enhance food production, establish top-tier medical facilities, and improve infrastructure and education, envisioning the transformative impact of such initiatives on the nation.
Asserting that the Federal Government is not the sole actor responsible for addressing these challenges, Onanuga called for a concerted effort from all levels of leadership. He admonished governors and council chairmen for deflecting accountability and urged them to govern effectively, emphasizing the potential to alleviate food inflation and enhance the well-being of citizens through proactive local governance.
In conclusion, Onanuga underscored the decentralized nature of Nigerian federalism, highlighting the imperative for effective governance at the state and local levels, in contrast to relying solely on central authorities.
