Muslims in the South-West, under the umbrella of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians.
This call was made during the 9th MUSWEN General Assembly held on Sunday.
Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, MUSWEN President and Deputy President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), emphasized that the nation’s economic crisis required urgent and sensitive handling.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal.
Other attendees included Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya, Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, and Professor Isiaq Lakin Akintola, Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
Oladejo did not mince words as he called on Tinubu to adopt policies that show compassion and tackle the root causes of suffering in the country.
“The current economic situation requires serious caution,” he said.
“Listen to Nigerians’ Cries”
Oladejo specifically urged Tinubu to address the contentious proposed Tax Reform Bill, which has sparked widespread public outcry.
He stated, “On the proposed Tax Reform Bill, I urge Mr. President to listen to the outcries from various groups and sections of the country.”
He acknowledged that the economic hardships Nigerians are enduring were not entirely the making of the Tinubu administration.
However, he argued that Nigerians had entrusted Tinubu with their votes to bring positive change.
“Nigerians overwhelmingly voted this government into office in 2023,” Oladejo added. “The President should have no reason not to make life comfortable for the people.”
“Spend Subsidy Gains on Development”
Oladejo highlighted areas where Tinubu’s administration could channel the funds saved from the removal of fuel subsidies.
He suggested investing in security, infrastructure development, electrification, food production, and employment-generating projects.
He warned against food importation, saying it would undermine the benefits of subsidy removal.
“Food importation should not be an option to be considered,” he declared. “It is not a solution because it would make a mockery of subsidy removal.”
“Economic Policies Are Harsh but Necessary”
Oladejo admitted that some government policies, while painful, were aimed at correcting the errors of past administrations.
“These policies are meant to correct the maladministration of the past and put the country on a firm economic footing,” he explained.
However, he warned the government to remain sensitive to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
He also cautioned citizens against being swayed by political actors who consistently criticize Tinubu’s administration for partisan reasons.
“These are political leaders who, more than one year after the elections, still act as though we are in the campaign period,” Oladejo said.
MUSWEN’s Role in Palliatives Distribution
Speaking on MUSWEN’s contributions, Oladejo revealed that the organization has been actively involved in distributing palliatives to vulnerable Nigerians.
“We consider this a moral and religious obligation,” he said.
He urged the government to do more in cushioning the effects of economic reforms on the populace.