The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has expressed deep concern about the current hardships plaguing Nigerians, urging President Bola Tinubu to address the pressing issues swiftly.
In a statement released by its General Secretary, Oladipo Oyewole, and obtained by Vanguard, the council expressed hope for a positive future but highlighted the immediate struggles facing the nation.
Oyewole said, “The YCE remains hopeful that Nigeria will have a turnaround. However, going by scanty information available on Government pursuits and activities, there is, presently, a lot of suffering in the land.”
The YCE emphasised the importance of focusing on the well-being of the masses, stressing that the ongoing electricity shortages and rising fuel prices are exacerbating the daily hardships of Nigerians.
“Without regular supply of electricity and with the official announcement of an increase in the price of Petroleum Products (PMS), the current hardship cannot but be increased in daily living by Nigerians,” the statement noted.
The council rejected the notion of relying solely on palliatives, which it argued are not reaching those most in need.
Instead, it called for long-term measures to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians through effective governance.
“The Federal Government ought to immediately pursue every avenue to make available to our people the dividends of democracy… by putting in place avenues to enhance proper/quality living through effective governance administration.”
Addressing President Tinubu directly, the YCE urged him to take immediate action.
“Mr. President should, without delay, revisit his drawing board to attend to the short-term needs of Nigerians… whilst pursuing the long-term vision of making Nigeria a better place for growth and development.”
The elders stressed that swift action is necessary to alleviate the country’s current suffering.
“Infact, the Presidency should do all possible to alleviate the suffering of all Nigerians immediately and without delay.”
