Yoruba Union Calls for President Tinubu's Resignation Amidst Economic Crisis
The Yoruba Union, Igbinmọ Majekobaje Ilẹ-Yoruba, has made a bold call for the immediate resignation of President Bola Tinubu, citing his administration’s economic policies as a key driver behind the growing poverty and hardship across the country. The union expressed deep concerns over the recent spike in fuel prices and the deteriorating living conditions, particularly in southwestern Nigeria.
Economic Policies Worsening Poverty and Hardship
In a statement by the union’s Convener, Olusola Oluwaseyi Badero, the group strongly condemned Tinubu’s economic approach, criticizing its alignment with foreign financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). They argued that these policies have devastated businesses, both large and small, inflicting severe economic strain on the Yoruba people.
“The government has failed the people by allowing fuel prices to escalate from ₦600 to ₦900,” Badero stated, emphasizing that many Nigerians are already struggling to afford basic necessities. He lamented that the Yoruba, a people traditionally known for their cultural values of Omoluabi—honour, integrity, and respect—have been reduced to begging due to what he described as "anti-people policies" pursued by the current administration.
Failure to Address Worsening Living Conditions
Badero further condemned the government for its apparent lack of empathy, accusing it of failing to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. “Our people have been kidnapped, their livelihoods destroyed by invaders, and yet the government seems indifferent,” he said. Badero highlighted that the Yoruba people, once proud and self-reliant, are now struggling to farm or provide for their families. According to him, President Tinubu has shown no remorse for the worsening situation but continues to impose greater hardships through increased taxes and oppressive policies.
Unfulfilled Campaign Promises
The union expressed frustration with President Tinubu’s unfulfilled campaign promises. Badero recalled that during a campaign stop in Ogun State, Tinubu pledged to reduce fuel prices, yet after taking office, he did the opposite, increasing them without public consultation. “Tinubu’s administration has run out of ideas. He must step down honorably, as Nigeria is not a personal business where prices can be raised at will,” Badero remarked. He pointed to the soaring cost of essential goods, such as rice, which now sells for ₦80,000 per bag, and noted that many southwestern states have not implemented the new minimum wage, exacerbating the hardship faced by families.
Criticism of Government Spending Amid Poverty
The Yoruba Union also criticized the government’s extravagant spending while Nigerians are mired in poverty. Badero decried President Tinubu’s recent acquisition of a new presidential jet costing ₦150 billion, luxury vehicles, and a mansion for the Vice President, all within the same year. “While Nigerians are asked to be patient, Tinubu continues to raise fuel prices and enact policies that push more Nigerians into poverty,” he stated.
Call for Nationwide Protests in October
In response to the current economic crisis, the Yoruba Union called on all Yoruba people across Nigeria to participate in nationwide protests scheduled for October. The union urged peaceful but forceful demonstrations to express their dissatisfaction with the administration. “Protesting is our constitutional right, and we will not allow this government to intimidate us into silence,” the union declared.
Badero affirmed the Yoruba Union’s commitment to defending the rights and dignity of the Yoruba people, who have been unjustly burdened by the policies of the Tinubu administration. "The current government has failed us, and we stand ready to protect the interests of the Yoruba nation," he concluded.
Momentum for Protests Continues
This call to action follows the recently concluded #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests, which took place from August 1 to 10, 2024. Organizers are now preparing for another wave of demonstrations under the banner ‘Fearless in October,’ aiming to sustain the momentum and amplify the voices of Nigerians demanding meaningful and lasting reforms.
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, a key force behind the protests, confirmed plans for the October demonstrations, signaling that the fight for better governance in Nigeria is far from over
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