Nigeria’s current administration has come under fire from a former political adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. Speaking on a television program, Baba-Ahmed argued that the government is failing to improve the quality of life for Nigerians and the overall standard of governance. He emphasized that the removal of the petrol subsidy, while potentially a necessary policy, has not been accompanied by sufficient measures to ensure that the saved resources are used responsibly.
Baba-Ahmed stressed the need for accountability and governance reforms at all levels of government, highlighting the importance of focusing on corruption, insecurity, and poverty. He also criticized the leadership of successive governments in Nigeria since 1999, saying that each one has been worse than the previous one. According to Baba-Ahmed, the current administration started “on a faulty foot” and has failed to deliver on its promises, despite positive international economic ratings.
The former political adviser emphasized that governance should be measured by the living conditions of citizens, rather than just economic statistics. He noted that the president must ensure that resources are used properly, particularly by state and local governments, and that there is a need for urgent reforms in accountability, anti-corruption, and social investment. Baba-Ahmed’s critique centers on the administration’s failure to translate economic reforms into tangible improvements in Nigerians’ daily lives and governance quality.
Baba-Ahmed reflected on Nigeria’s political experience since 1999, criticizing the leadership of various presidents, including Umaru Yar’adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari. He said that Nigeria’s leadership problem stems from selfish leaders who govern for personal interests rather than the people’s welfare. According to Baba-Ahmed, this kind of leadership will always prioritize personal gain over the well-being of citizens, regardless of the country’s circumstances.
The removal of the petrol subsidy has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with many citizens expressing concerns about its impact on their living standards. Baba-Ahmed’s comments highlight the need for the government to be vigilant about the use of resources and to ensure that any savings from the subsidy removal are used to benefit the people. The call for accountability and governance reforms is a pressing issue in Nigeria, where corruption and mismanagement of resources have been longstanding problems.
Overall, Baba-Ahmed’s critique of the current administration serves as a reminder of the need for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s governance and leadership. The country’s citizens are eager for tangible improvements in their daily lives, and it is up to the government to deliver on its promises and prioritize the welfare of its people. By emphasizing the importance of accountability, anti-corruption, and social investment, Baba-Ahmed’s comments offer a roadmap for the government to address the country’s pressing challenges and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
