The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has slammed President Bola Tinubu over what it tagged his administration’s indifference to the suffering of the Nigerian people occasioned by strangulating policies leading to the devaluation of Naira and unbearable costs of living.
In a statement by the Director of Publicity and Advocacy/Spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, NEF said the steady increase of food prices had led to widespread hunger and malnourishment in the country.
Describing as disheartening the disconnection between the reality on the ground and the actions of political leaders, NEF lamented that Nigerians can no longer feed themselves while the political class is living large to the detriment of the poor.
“It is disheartening to witness the disconnect between the reality on the ground and the actions, or lack thereof, of our leaders. While millions of Nigerians are struggling to put food on the table and make ends meet, those in power seem to be living in isolation or denial. This indifference to the suffering of the people they are meant to serve is deeply troubling.
“The consequences of this unchecked rise in inflation are devastating for ordinary Nigerians. Families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford necessities, as the prices of essential commodities, such as rice, beans, and cooking oil continue to skyrocket. This dire situation has resulted in a rise in malnutrition, particularly among children, as families are forced to prioritise their limited resources.
“Moreover, the impact of inflation extends beyond the realm of food prices. Small businesses are struggling to survive as the cost of raw materials and transportation continues to rise. Unemployment rates are soaring as companies are unable to sustain their operations amidst mounting expenses. This vicious cycle of inflation and economic decline is pushing our nation further into poverty and despair.
“In the light of these challenges, we demand urgent measures from the government to address this crisis before it plunges the nation into greater conflict and chaos. The welfare of its citizens must be prioritised, and policies must be implemented to alleviate the burden of inflation. This includes increasing agricultural productivity, investing in infrastructure to reduce transportation costs, and implementing social safety nets to support the most vulnerable members of society.
“Additionally, it is imperative that the government takes decisive steps to curb corruption and wasteful spending. The mismanagement of public funds only exacerbates the inflationary pressure and erodes the trust of the people. Transparency and accountability must be upheld at all levels of government to restore confidence in our leadership.
“The unchecked rise in inflation in Nigeria is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. The government must acknowledge the suffering of its citizens and implement effective policies to alleviate the burden of inflation.
“By prioritising the welfare of its people, curbing corruption, and promoting transparency, Nigeria can overcome this crisis and pave the way for a brighter future. It is time for our leaders to rise to the occasion and address the challenges facing our nation.”