By Lukman Olabiyi
Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has lamented that the reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since he assumed office have largely been ineffective, leading more Nigerians into hardship and economic misery.
Iba Adams had recently written an open letter to the president where he criticized the Tinubu administration for its perceived indifference, insensitivity, and lack of responsiveness to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
In an interview with Saturday Sun, Adams said the open letter was to publicly convey his concerns and demonstrate that he had not been silenced or bought off regarding issues affecting his people and Nigerians as a whole.
“It is better to not hold a position of power than to hold it and fail to represent the people,” Adams said. He emphasized that his open letter to President Tinubu was meant as constructive advice. He clarified that while the letter draws historical parallels with Adolf Hitler’s economic policies, he did not directly compare Tinubu to Hitler. Instead, he used historical context to illustrate how the current direction could lead Nigeria into severe economic and social crises.
He criticized the Tinubu administration for implementing harsh policies within a short period, contrasting this with former President Buhari’s more gradual approach to policy changes.
Adams warned that Nigeria is approaching a breaking point, noting the growing frustration among ordinary citizens. He noted that many housewives have resorted to desperate measures, such as turning to illicit activities to support their families, adding that more young people are joining secret societies or engaging in other forms of survival tactics. He also criticized the government’s handling of labour disputes, citing the arrest of the NLC President, Ajaero, as an example of the administration’s heavy-handed approach to dissent.
Adams stressed that the public’s patience is wearing thin, and he urged the president to address these issues before the situation deteriorates further.
Speaking further, the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) leader, Adams, emphasized that his personal connection with President Tinubu would not prevent him from speaking the truth about Nigeria’s current situation.
He believes that if he remained silent on critical issues, despite being vocal during previous administrations, he would be judged harshly by history.
He urged President Tinubu to reduce the price of fuel to between N300 and N400 per litre. He argued that such a reduction is essential for restoring peace and ensuring that Nigerians do not suffer further before the on-going reforms are fully implemented.
He also called for a reduction in electricity costs and a re-evaluation of the country’s multi-taxation system to alleviate the economic burden on citizens.
Adams warned that the rapid imposition of severe measures could lead to widespread discontent.
He also suggested that the government should allow private entities like Dangote to handle crude oil and refine it, and urged that the Port Harcourt Refinery be made operational to support economic stability.
