Act Swiftly, Nigerians Are Hungry: APC Chieftain Olatunbosun Onyintiloye Urges President Tinubu
Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a former member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the worsening hunger and economic challenges confronting Nigerians. In a recent statement made in Osogbo, Osun State, Oyintiloye emphasized the need for immediate and impactful interventions to alleviate the growing hardship faced by the populace.
Growing Economic Hardship Requires Urgent Attention
Oyintiloye began by acknowledging the efforts made by President Tinubu’s administration to combat the economic difficulties plaguing the country. However, he stressed that the escalating cost of living—marked by soaring prices of essential commodities such as food, fuel, electricity, and cooking gas—demands faster and more effective solutions.
"The economic suffering of the masses is becoming unbearable," Oyintiloye stated. He expressed deep concern over the daily struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians, many of whom are unable to afford basic necessities. He noted that while President Tinubu has made significant strides in addressing these issues, time is of the essence, and more rapid implementation of relief measures is required.
The Impact of Rising Fuel Prices
The APC chieftain also highlighted the adverse effects of the recent hike in fuel prices on the country’s economy. The increase, he warned, would likely exacerbate the hardship faced by Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
Oyintiloye stressed that while President Tinubu’s intentions are clear, bureaucratic delays in the implementation of policies aimed at providing relief must be removed. "The President must act swiftly. Nigerians are hungry, and the current situation is simply unsustainable," he warned.
Delays in Implementing Key Policies
One of the most pressing concerns raised by Oyintiloye is the delay in implementing a key policy designed to reduce food inflation: the suspension of customs duties and taxes on imported food items. This measure, aimed at combating the steep rise in food prices, was announced two months ago but has yet to be put into effect.
Oyintiloye pointed out that despite assurances from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, the 150-day duty-free window for the importation of critical food items such as maize, husked brown rice, and wheat remains stalled. This, according to Oyintiloye, is unacceptable given the urgency of the situation.
"The delay in implementing this crucial policy is having a direct impact on the ability of Nigerians to access affordable food," Oyintiloye remarked. He called on the relevant government agencies to act without further delay, urging them to prioritize the well-being of Nigerians over bureaucratic hurdles.
Bureaucratic Obstacles Must Be Removed
Oyintiloye did not shy away from criticizing the sluggish pace at which some key policies are being executed. He acknowledged that while President Tinubu is doing his best, those responsible for policy implementation must not become roadblocks to progress.
"The President is doing everything he can, but the delays caused by bureaucratic processes are hindering the relief that Nigerians desperately need," Oyintiloye said. He emphasized that the 150-day duty-free window for food imports was designed to ease the burden on Nigerians, but its benefits have been delayed due to inefficiencies within the government apparatus.
He further stressed the need for a coordinated approach among government agencies to ensure that relief measures reach the people in a timely and effective manner. "The bureaucratic bottlenecks must be removed if we are to see real progress," Oyintiloye added.
Long-Term Gains, Short-Term Sacrifices
Despite the challenges, Oyintiloye expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of President Tinubu’s economic policies. He urged Nigerians to remain patient, noting that while the current situation is difficult, the policies being implemented are designed to bring lasting improvements to the country's economic landscape.
"The reforms being carried out by President Tinubu’s administration may be painful in the short term, but they are necessary for the long-term stability and growth of Nigeria’s economy," Oyintiloye explained. He emphasized that Nigerians must continue to support the President, even as they endure the temporary hardships brought about by the reforms.
Oyintiloye also called for unity and understanding among Nigerians, urging them to stay the course as the government works to implement policies that will ultimately lead to improved living conditions. "We must stand together and support the government during these challenging times," he said.
Call for Patience and Support
In conclusion, Oyintiloye reiterated his support for President Tinubu, while also calling on the Nigerian public to remain patient. He acknowledged that the road ahead may be tough, but expressed confidence in the President’s ability to steer the country through these turbulent times.
"President Tinubu has demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing the economic challenges we face, and we must continue to trust in his leadership," Oyintiloye said. He urged Nigerians to continue to support the President’s administration, even as it works to bring about the necessary changes for a more prosperous future.
"Change takes time, but with the right policies in place, I am confident that Nigeria will emerge stronger and more resilient," he concluded.
Final Thoughts
As Nigeria grapples with one of its most challenging economic periods in recent memory, the urgency of addressing the needs of its citizens cannot be overstated. Oyintiloye’s call for swift action resonates with the growing frustration felt by many Nigerians who are struggling to make ends meet. While the Tinubu administration has implemented several policies aimed at providing relief, the delays in execution have only compounded the suffering.
The call for the removal of bureaucratic obstacles and the swift implementation of relief measures is a reminder that the success of any policy lies in its timely and effective execution. For now, Nigerians await decisive action from their leaders, hoping that relief comes sooner rather than later
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