Elder statesman and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Bode George, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent media appearance, describing it as lacking empathy and sensitivity toward the struggles of Nigerians.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, George emphasized that Tinubu’s statements reflect an unfeeling approach to the dire challenges facing the country, particularly as many Nigerians are grappling with hunger and economic hardship.
George referenced the tragic incidents of three separate food distribution stampedes that occurred last week, resulting in the loss of 67 lives. He highlighted these events as evidence of the growing hunger and desperation in the country. Despite these grim realities, he noted that Tinubu continues to assert that his reforms are effective, even as the lives of many Nigerians deteriorate further. Businesses are collapsing, and citizens are becoming increasingly impoverished.
“We are not seeing any improvement; in fact, things are getting worse every day,” George lamented. “Hunger doesn’t understand rhetoric or promises—it demands practical solutions. You have to be real.”
He also criticized the timing and tone of Tinubu’s media appearance, arguing that it lacked the necessary solemnity and compassion. He questioned the purpose of such a discussion during a period of widespread suffering, saying, “I’m surprised there’s no trace of somberness or humanity in the conversation. What was the point of the discussion in the first place?”
The elder statesman urged the Tinubu administration to implement immediate relief measures to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. He also insisted on reducing the price of petrol, which has become a critical issue for citizens across the country.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has long struggled with energy challenges. The country’s state-owned refineries remain non-functional, making Nigeria reliant on imported refined petroleum products. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) serves as the major importer, but its operations have not prevented widespread fuel shortages and skyrocketing prices.
Since the removal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023, the price of petrol has surged dramatically, rising from around ₦200 per litre to over ₦1,000 per litre. This has compounded the woes of Nigerians, who depend on petrol not only for vehicles but also to power their generators due to the country’s unreliable electricity supply.
Additionally, the government’s decision to unify its foreign exchange windows has led to a significant depreciation of the naira. The exchange rate has plummeted from ₦700 to over ₦1,600 to the dollar on the parallel market. This, in turn, has caused the prices of food and basic commodities to skyrocket, leaving Nigerians struggling with inflation and reduced purchasing power.
Despite mounting pressure to reconsider his economic policies, Tinubu has remained steadfast in his stance. During the media chat, he defended the removal of the fuel subsidy, arguing that Nigeria could no longer afford to act as “Father Christmas” to neighboring countries. He expressed no regret over the decision, insisting that the reforms were necessary to move the country forward.
