Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, arguing that they are inflicting severe hardship on Nigerians.
Speaking at the North East Zonal meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Reconciliation Committee in Bauchi, Fintiri did not mince words about the economic realities faced by the people.
“Nigeria is bleeding. We are suffering. There is too much anger and the FG’s economic policy is not working,” he declared, highlighting the growing frustration among citizens over rising inflation, unemployment, and the general decline in the standard of living.
He stressed the urgent need for a policy shift, urging the Federal Government to reconsider its approach to economic management.
He warned that the continued implementation of ineffective policies would only deepen the suffering of Nigerians and widen the gap between the government and the people.
“Whatever will make us cry must not be part of your policy because the country belongs to us. It does not belong to the World Bank, IMF, or the international community,” Fintiri asserted, suggesting that foreign-driven economic models may not be suitable for Nigeria’s unique socio-economic realities. His statement underscores the growing sentiment that government policies should prioritize local needs over external economic prescriptions.
The growing calls for a more people-centered economic approach reflect a broader global trend toward prioritizing inclusive and sustainable development.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s remarks underscore the urgency of this shift. His emphasis on prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians highlights the disconnect between current economic policies and the lived realities of many citizens. While macroeconomic indicators like GDP growth may show progress, such metrics often fail to capture the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians, such as access to basic services, affordable healthcare, and quality education.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Youths For Atiku (NYFA), a support group of former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has advised President Bola Tinubu to direct total attention on the economy in 2025.
The group, in a statement by the Director of Communications (Nigeria and Diaspora), Mr. Dare Dada, after its first strategic meeting for 2025 in Lagos, yesterday, admonished the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to focus more on policies that could change and restore hope in the nation’s economy.
“After critical review of recent political activities, it has become imperative to emphasise the need for the president and his handlers to deal with the real issues bedeviling the economy.”
He described the alleged effort by the ruling party to silence the opposition parties in the country as old military tactics that would be vehemently resisted.
According to him, democracy thrives when people are allowed to, without fear, voice out their opinions on matters that are important to their collective destiny.
He said the role of opposition parties and activism remained critical in any democracy, putting the government in power on its toes for the common good.
“No administration is immune to criticisms. In fact, criticisms engender good governance in any democracy,” the director of communications said.
Dada said President Tinubu also needs to confront headlong the problem of corruption in all sectors including contract bidding and awards, for Nigerians to breathe well.
Emphasising the need for the rule of law, Dada said that law enforcement agencies must live up to expectations and avoid corrupt practices.
“These are very weighty allegations that should compel the President to order a full scale investigation.
“We must not treat some of these things as business as usual,” he said.
He added that all policies of the government, which Nigerians were dissatisfied with, must be looked into and re-evaluated to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, including those in remote villages.
Dada, in particular, said that the government should look into the post-implementation impact of subsidy removal and other policies.
Credit: The Sun