Ajadi reacts to President Tinubu’s speech to the nation

Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has expressed his dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on the ongoing hunger strike.

Ajadi, a Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), via a statement issued on Monday, stated that the president’s speech fell short of expectations.

He said not only was the president’s address reactionary, but it even failed to make tangible promises that addressed the issues.

According to Ajadi, the president should engage the youths issue by issue, and not merely appeal for them to stop protesting.

The NNPP’s chieftain, however, acknowledged the government’s efforts at stabilizing the economy but expressed skepticism regarding its commitment to delivering on those promises.

“The best way for the government to show seriousness to those policies on paper is by action,” Ajadi stated.

On directly supporting the people in overcoming current economic hardships, Ajadi said: “If there is a time to talk about palliatives it is now. Not tokens but tangible things that address the challenges of the people. There are enough resources in the land to go around.

“The Tinubu administration should come up with a program of action to address poverty, high cost of living, and infrastructure, for example. It is not too much to ask for in a country so blessed.”

Ajadi also faulted the extravagance of the federal government amid hunger.

He described the presidency’s attitude towards spending as insensitive to the people’s plight.

He particularly highlighted the allocation of N21 billion for the renovation of the Vice President’s residence and another 70 billion Naira expenditure on luxury SUVs for National Assembly members as examples of fiscal irresponsibility.

According to him, even if such provisions were duly provided for in the books, the prevailing economic situation in the country should have advised the president better.

“I find it unacceptable that a president elected to cater to the welfare of the people could approve such staggering amounts for projects that do not have a direct bearing on the masses’ improved welfare.

“Elected Nigerian officials already have a level of comfort; it is the masses, the common people who are suffering stress in the economy.

“The president should have prioritized welfare programs or people- policies ahead of everything else,” Ajadi posited.