Lagos — Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, has expressed deep concerns over the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, accusing the administration of becoming indifferent, insensitive, and unresponsive to the struggles of Nigerians. In an open letter titled “President Bola Tinubu, Time is Going,” Adams called out the government for failing to alleviate the economic hardships that have plagued the nation since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Adams lamented the skyrocketing fuel prices, devaluation of the naira, and the deteriorating security situation, which he said have only worsened under Tinubu’s leadership. He noted that many Nigerians had hoped for a more progressive government after the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, but have instead been met with further economic and social distress.
“When you came with the ‘Emilokan’ slogan during the 2023 elections, Nigerians believed you would lead with modern democratic principles and outperform Buhari’s administration, which left behind increased poverty and insecurity,” Adams stated.
He criticized the fuel price hike from less than ₦200 per liter in May to over ₦1,000, questioning the rationale behind such reforms. Adams further expressed concern over the declining value of the naira, which has fallen from ₦740 to the dollar to over ₦1,600, despite having Tinubu’s long-time associates, Wale Edun and Yemi Cardoso, in key economic roles.
Adams also raised alarm over the growing insecurity across Nigeria, citing daily reports of kidnappings and killings despite ransom payments. He questioned the effectiveness of the nation’s security apparatus under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Chief of Army Staff General Taoreed Lagbaja.
He also condemned the government’s handling of recent protests against economic policies, which led to the arrest and charges of treason against some protesters. “Is that the way governments are overthrown—with placards?” Adams asked rhetorically, criticizing the administration’s crackdown on civil liberties.
In his closing remarks, Adams warned that the continued economic hardship, particularly the fuel price increases, could lead to widespread unrest. He urged Tinubu and his party to be more sensitive to the plight of Nigerians, calling the situation a “brutal assault on the sensibility of Nigerians.”
The open letter from Adams adds to the growing list of criticisms against the Tinubu administration, as citizens continue to grapple with inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.
