Economic downturn: Nigerians do not deserve this present hardship – Tinubu Support Group
By Our Correspondent
Worried by the economic hardship that followed the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Global Ambassadors (BATGA) have called on the President to urgently work on ways to ameliorate the current sufferings of Nigerians as the economic policies have brought more hardship to Nigerians.
BATGA, an independent social political group that believed and supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential candidature and victory at the general presidential election in a release signed by its Secretary General, Tunde Okorodudu condemned the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, most especially the subsidy removal and devaluation of the Naira.
Comrade Okorodudu who released the statement on his way to Atlanta Georgia US, lamented the unbearable hardships the country is currently going through, calling for a decisive action from the Federal government.
The Statement which came on the heels of the 63rd birthday celebration of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the celebration may not be pronounced due to the “unbearable hardships our nation is currently enduring”.
“These hardships stem from the removal of fuel subsidies, the devaluation of the Naira, and the continued closure of Southern borders.
“We were profoundly shocked and left speechless on the day Mr President announced the removal of fuel subsidies. This decision came at a time when Nigerians were still reeling from the economic downturn caused by the policies of the then CBN Governor, Emefiele.
“We are acutely aware that an increase in fuel prices will have far-reaching negative impacts on every sector and the cost of living, leading to immense hardships.
“It is disheartening to note that Mr President himself led protests with the “Save Nigeria Group” against a similar move by the previous administration in 2012.
“As if this were not enough, the policy of Naira devaluation has further compounded our economic woes. As of now, the exchange rate stands at $1 to 1000 Naira. To add to our concerns, the closure of Southern borders persists, while all Northern borders, prone to security risks, remain open.
While lamenting that the “grassroots supporters, the electorate, interest groups, friends, associates, and family members who dedicated their hard-earned resources to support Mr President’s victory are now regretting their trust in us.
“Many of them have distanced themselves from our cause, feeling misled.
“The 5 billion Naira palliative distributed to states by Mr President is seen by the masses as an insult to the collective sensibility of Nigerians. It appears to have been reserved for party loyalists, as the party structure and elected officials failed to distribute the COVID-19 palliative during the lockdown.
BATGA said “There is concrete evidence of some elected officials using it as souvenirs at their parties, as exemplified by the recent dispute between the APC LGA chairman and the Commissioner over the so-called palliative.
“It is evident that no amount of palliative measures or salary increases for civil servants will alleviate our current economic calamity.
“Removing fuel subsidies without stabilizing prices is unprecedented. No economic reform can rescue us from economic hardship if the Naira continues to weaken against the US dollar.
“The cost of living cannot be controlled while the borders of the industrious part of the country remain closed.
The Statement added that “the inclusion of individuals who did not support your presidency in your ministerial cabinet has left us perplexed. We have highly qualified patriots among us who share your vision of a greater Nigeria.
“The absence of figures like Chief Bayo Onanuga, Hon. James Faleke, BRF, Tunde Fowler, Femi Fani-Kayode, and H.E. Nasir El Rufai in your cabinet has eroded our trust, hope, and anticipation in this administration.
“Nonetheless, we are committed to defending the policies of this administration to the best of our abilities.
“To all the Honourable members of BATGA, both financially and morally committed, rest assured that we will work tirelessly to bring smiles to your faces.
“Our mission is human capital development and empowerment, politically and economically.
“We are not here for crumbs, and we will not settle for crumbs. We are proud of our support for Mr President through BATGA, and our mission is to create a country that all of us can be proud of, where a select few do not thrive while the majority languish in abject poverty”.
