In a fiery critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent media chat, elder statesman and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, accused the President of displaying a lack of empathy towards the suffering of Nigerians. George made these comments during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
The former military governor did not mince words as he lambasted Tinubu’s unwavering stance on removing the fuel subsidy, a policy he claimed has intensified hardship across the country.
A Nation in Pain
Reacting to Tinubu’s statement that he had “no regret whatsoever” about scrapping the subsidy, George highlighted the dire realities Nigerians face. He linked the policy to worsening hunger, mass unemployment, and three tragic stampedes during food distributions in Abuja, Anambra, and Ibadan last week, which claimed 67 lives.
“If those people were okay, would they go out looking for a pittance to eat and end up dying in a stampede?” George questioned. “There is abject poverty in the land. There is hunger in the land. There is anger in the land.”
He expressed shock at the President’s apparent lack of reflection during the media chat. “I am surprised that there is no iota of calmness, soberness, or in-depth humanity in the discussion. He was saying there was no need to revisit the issue? That is outrageous,” George added.
The Stampedes That Shook Nigeria
The stampedes, which occurred during the distribution of palliative food items, underscored the desperation of millions of Nigerians struggling to survive amid skyrocketing inflation and economic instability. The tragedy has sparked widespread criticism of the government’s approach to addressing hunger and poverty.
Daily queues for essential commodities, coupled with the rising cost of living, have left many questioning the effectiveness of Tinubu’s economic reforms. Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, are shutting down in record numbers as the cost of fuel, transportation, and basic goods continues to soar.
“Leadership requires understanding and addressing the realities on the ground,” George asserted. “Hunger doesn’t believe in your talk. You’ve got to be real.”
A Divisive Leadership Style
George accused Tinubu of adopting a heavy-handed approach reminiscent of military regimes, urging the President to embrace inclusive governance. “Leadership is not about pumping and bashing people. This is not a military administration,” he said.
Drawing comparisons to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, George questioned the rationale behind imposing policies that exacerbate poverty. “If people supported you during elections, is this how you repay them?” he asked.
Call for Action
George called on the government to urgently implement palliatives to ease the suffering of Nigerians. He also demanded a reduction in the price of petrol, which has tripled since the subsidy removal, leading to higher transportation and production costs.
“It’s not enough to say we should just hold on or bear it. Why should we bear it?” George queried, adding that the administration must prioritize the welfare of its citizens over rigid policy adherence.
A Widening Gap
The President’s media chat, intended to showcase the administration’s achievements, has instead drawn sharp criticism for its perceived detachment from the realities of ordinary Nigerians. Many have accused Tinubu of ignoring the human cost of his economic policies.
The elder statesman warned that continuing down this path could lead to further unrest. “Listen to the people,” he advised. “The hardship is getting worse by the day. You cannot govern effectively if the majority of your citizens are left hungry and angry.”
Background on the Fuel Subsidy Removal
Tinubu announced the removal of the decades-long fuel subsidy during his inauguration speech in May 2023, arguing that the policy was unsustainable and prone to abuse. While his administration promised that the move would free up resources for infrastructure development and social programs, the immediate aftermath has been devastating for the average Nigerian.
Inflation surged to its highest levels in nearly two decades, with food prices doubling or tripling in many parts of the country. Despite government efforts to distribute palliatives, the relief has been inadequate and poorly coordinated, leading to incidents like last week’s fatal stampedes.
Public Outcry Grows
George’s comments reflect growing discontent across the nation. Civil society organizations, labor unions, and religious groups have all decried the government’s handling of the economy. Protests have erupted in several states, with citizens demanding immediate action to address their plight.
The government, however, remains steadfast in its belief that the reforms will yield long-term benefits. In his media chat, Tinubu urged Nigerians to exercise patience, claiming that his administration is “on the path to progress and restoration.”
An Uncertain Future
As the year draws to a close, many Nigerians are left wondering whether 2025 will bring relief or more hardship. George’s passionate plea to the President underscores the urgency of the situation.
“The suffering is real, and it is widespread,” George said. “This is not the time for indifference or stubbornness. It’s time to show humanity and lead with compassion.”