In light of recent reports from Punch and other reputable news sources regarding the lavish expenditures of the Tinubu-led presidency, it is imperative to express our collective disappointment and concern over the seeming disconnect between the administration's rhetoric and its actions. While President Tinubu has consistently urged Nigerians to tighten their belts and prepare for austerity measures in the name of fixing the nation, it is disheartening to learn that the First Lady's office has spent an astronomical N701 million on foreign trips within a mere three-month period.
Such excessive spending is not only an affront to the sacrifices the government has asked of its citizens, but it also flies in the face of the fiscal responsibility Nigerians expect from their leaders. Moreover, the purported N250 million expenditure on decorations for the First Lady's event further underscores the administration's insensitivity to the economic plight of the average Nigerian.
At a time when the nation is grappling with serious economic challenges, it is crucial that our leaders set an example of prudence and fiscal discipline. Rather than indulging in extravagant trips and events, the government must channel resources towards critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, which are essential to improving the lives of Nigerians and laying a solid foundation for the country's future prosperity.
We, as citizens and stakeholders in the Nigerian project, call on President Tinubu and his administration to demonstrate genuine commitment to fixing the nation by walking the talk and curbing unnecessary spending. It is only through a concerted effort to prioritize the welfare of the Nigerian people that we can collectively build a more equitable and prosperous society for all.
I’m Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor otherwise known as Ultimate Equal, President One Love Foundation