Is Tinubu “Renewal Hope Agenda” Working? -By Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua

In the next few days precisely on 29 May,,president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will mark his one year in office. President Tinubu was elected and sworn in on 29 May,2023. Since his coming on board with his “renewal hope agenda”, a campaign document drafted to put smile on the faces of nigerians, opinion moulders have opined that, the agenda is merely an elusive and mirage. Under the Tinubu administration, inflation has reached all record high of 30 percent, making it nearly impossible for many households to make an ends meet. The cost of goods and services have skyrocketed and created panic or apprehension in the country. But Nigerians are quick to apportion blame on the Tinubu’s economy policies for the hardship being experienced. The removal of petroleum and electricity subsidy and floating of foreign exchange are believed to be the trigger of the current hardship. Prior to his coming, the pump price of premium motor sprit(Petro) was #189 per litre. The previous government was also able to maintain the multiple exchange rate, leading to relatively low cost of living. Although, the Tinubu’s administration complained it had  inherited a bad economy, through its thoughtless policies, it has added more salt to the injury.

The Tinubu’s IMF induced policies have come at a wrong time when 133millions Nigerians are believed to be in multi-dimensional poverty. With the removal of anything subsidy, the Tinubu administration has succeeded in pushing more Nigerians to poverty. The performances of Tinubu’s cabinets since their inauguration have come under an intense scrutiny. It is sad to note, base on the views express by Nigerians, the ministers performances in office have left so much to be desired. While one can count and commend the exceptional performance of minister of works, Engr. David Umahi and his counterpart in the information ministry, Muhammad Idris, the minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, has been receiving knocks over his poor performance with many call for his head. For the record, under the watch of ministry of power, our national grid collapse for sixth consecutive terms, throwing the country into total darkness. The way and manner with which the minister of power handles the ministry, shows he has nothing to offer to address the perennial power supply in the country. One remembers, at the beginning of the administration, minister of humanitarian, disaster management and poverty alleviation, Betta Edu was suspended for allegedly involved in corruption. This is the tales of woes characterised the Tinubu’s administration.

Tinubu desires to raise revenues has led to comprehensive tax reforms aimed at generating more revenues for national development. While there is nothing wrong for tax reforms to improve revenues, overtaxing Nigerians who are grappling with high cost of living and low purchasing power is unfortunate to say the least. Little wonder, the recent introduction of cyber security levy has generated mixed reactions across the country. The hue and cries that greeted its announcement has indicated Nigerians are not happy with President Tinubu’s tax drive policy. Not only the common man, the house of representatives has kicked against it and call the Apex bank to quickly reverse it. The introduction of cyber security levy has come at a time while others charges such as stamp duties has eaten up the little savings of Nigerians.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who on 29th of this month will clock one year in office can amend his policies which have become thorn in the flesh of Nigerians. His much talked “Renewal hope agenda” has failed to take Nigerians to nirvana. His policies have inflicted more harms than providing succour to poverty stricken Nigerians. Tinubu’s obsession to swallow IMF’s imposed bitter pills policies hook, line and sinker has contributed to the current conundrum. But it is not late for Tinubu to evaluate his policies and make them more humane. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should drop his non-performing ministers as promised. Some of his ministers are timid, lack experience and capacity to lead their ministries. These ministers should be weeded out and well-prepared ones appointed to make his “renewal hope agenda” achievable.

Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna State. 08169056963.