In his recent interview on Channels TV’s “Politics Today,” former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi emphasized the need for Nigerian leaders to acknowledge their shortcomings and take decisive action to improve the nation’s socio-economic conditions. He stated, “We must apologize to the Nigerian people. We have not succeeded in doing everything we do to the Nigerian people. That is not just because we are incompetent, but because there are other structural impediments that are making things more difficult for us.”
Fayemi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold initiatives, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the convergence of foreign exchange rates. He noted, “President Tinubu has done many good things. We must all acknowledge that. He is bold to take on some of the most difficult decisions some of the past leaders were reluctant to take on.” However, he cautioned that good intentions must be matched with effective implementation, stating, “He is well meaning, but well meaning is not enough in leadership. Intentionality is critical to success.”
The removal of fuel subsidies, while aimed at fiscal stability, has led to a significant increase in fuel prices, tripling costs and contributing to high inflation and escalating food prices. Critics argue that these reforms have imposed undue hardship on millions of Nigerians, many of whom lack adequate social security to buffer the impact.
Fayemi acknowledged these challenges and emphasized the importance of leaders being accountable and responsive to the needs of the populace. He stated, “Clearly we have not done enough to make life abundant for Nigerian people. For that, we will not hesitate to apologize to them. We can do a lot more.”
He also highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive and coherent strategy to address Nigeria’s economic challenges. While acknowledging the necessity of recent reforms, experts argue that these measures alone are insufficient. They stress the need for the political class to make sacrifices, such as reducing their own benefits and redirecting savings to support the most vulnerable. Addressing corruption and appointing technocratic talent are critical steps needed to rebuild trust between the government and citizens. Additionally, the state must fulfill its role in providing essential services like power, roads, security, and social support to ensure that economic reforms lead to sustainable development rather than further hardship.
Dr. John Olukayode Fayemi, born on February 9, 1965, in Ibadan, Nigeria, is a prominent Nigerian politician and academic. He served as the Governor of Ekiti State from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022. Between his gubernatorial terms, Fayemi was appointed as Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development from 2015 to 2018. He holds a doctorate in War Studies from King’s College London, specializing in civil-military relations.
Throughout his career, Fayemi has been an advocate for good governance and accountability. In December 2020, during the nationwide #EndSARS protests against police brutality, he joined protesters to express support for their demands. Drawing from his experience as a pro-democracy activist, Fayemi emphasized the importance of having a clear strategy and engaging in dialogue with the government to achieve meaningful reforms.
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