#BadGovernance Protest: Economic Experts, Some Political Leaders Advise President Tinubu on Way
By Towncriernews
In order to quel the raging protests across the
the nation which began Thursday against
hunger and bad governance on Thursday,
August 1, 2024 which have rapidly escalated
into violence and destruction of property, and
loss of lives in some parts of the country,
an Economist, Prof. Aliyu Illias has stressed
the need for President Tinubu to address the
nation.
He also asked the President to have a clear
one-year plan while proposing the
introduction of Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) buses to reduce transportation costs.
Ilias further suggested a cabinet reshuffle
particularly in Ministry of Humanitarian
Affairs, asking him to urge state governors
to clarify their use of Federal funds.
Also, Prof. Femi Shaibu from the University
of Lagos criticized the management of
palliatives, highlighting that resources often
do not reach those in need during to
political interference.
He therefore, recommended on infrastructure,
healthcare, education and agriculture
investments as more effective alternatives to
cash transfers to alleviate poverty.
Economic consultant Brume Nikoro, advised
the government to cut waste and support
small-scale industries and startups with
interest-free loans, advocating targeted
programmes to boost the agriculture
and technology sectors, with the sole to
create sustainable economic growth.
Lawyer and rights activist Kabiru Akingboolu
advised for a more civil approach to handling
protests by the police and urged the
government to take concrete actions to
address economic difficulties.
He emphasized the need for significant
investment in agriculture to enhance food
production and warned of the potential for
escalating protests similar to to the #END
SARS movement if issues are not addressed.
Meanwhile, Northern elders, including Prof.
Usman Yusuf, Hajia Najatu Muhammad,
Mallam Salihu Lukman, and Dr. Umaru Ardo
stressed the importance of engaging
directly with youth leaders and protesters
to understand their grievances.
They recommended implementing
meaningful Reforms, investing in youths
development, education and entrepreneurship
by improving transparency and accountability
in governance.
Besides, a Political and Economic Analyst,
Mustapha Hussain Olarewaju, criticized the
handling of fuel subsidies and inflation,
advocating for stabilising fuel prices and
increasing government expenditure to
stimulate economic activity rather than
relying on high monetary policy rates.
