Afenifere has harshly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that Nigerians are worse off now than when he took office. The group highlighted issues of pervasive hardship, insecurity, and reckless spending as key failures of the current government.
In a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu‘s administration, the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has voiced deep concerns over the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria. According to the group, Tinubu’s governance has left Nigerians in a more dire situation than when he assumed office, a sentiment that is echoing across his support base, including a growing sense of discontent within Afenifere.
During its quarterly meeting held in Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State, and presided over by Deputy Leader Oladipo Olaitan, Afenifere released a communiqué lamenting the pervasive hardship, crippling hunger, and escalating insecurity that have plagued the nation under Tinubu’s leadership. The group pointed out that massive unemployment and runaway inflation have exacerbated the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, making life even more difficult than before.
The communiqué emphasized that the Tinubu administration’s management of public funds has been marked by a lack of foresight and purpose. Afenifere accused the government of reckless spending and highlighted several instances of what it described as “profligate predilections.” These include the reported purchase of an Airbus A330 for $100 million (N240 billion) for the President, with an additional $50 million earmarked for retrofitting, and the acquisition of armoured Cadillac Escalade Limousine SUVs for N950 million each.
Other expenditures cited by Afenifere include N21 billion for renovating a new mansion for the Vice President, N90 billion allocated as a subsidy for religious pilgrimages, and N10 billion for renovating the Presidential Lodge on Ribadu Road in Lagos. The group expressed dismay at these lavish expenses, especially at a time when many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet.
Moreover, Afenifere condemned the government’s ongoing harassment of media professionals, urging the administration to respect Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of the press and expression. The organization stressed that a free press is essential for democracy and called on the Tinubu government to cease its crackdown on journalists.
This mounting criticism from Afenifere, one of Tinubu’s long-standing support bases, signifies growing discontent with his administration. The group urged the President to refocus on policies that would alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and restore public trust in the government.
