Today, October 1, 2024, marks Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, and Comrade Taiwo Ayantunji, a human rights advocate, has congratulated Nigerians on this significant occasion. However, his message comes with a strong critique of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ayantunji condemned the APC’s “obnoxious policies” that have severely impacted Nigerians’ lives, crippled the economy, and skyrocketed inflation.
He noted that security has deteriorated since Tinubu’s assumption of office, while human capital development has nearly ground to a halt. The country’s economic hardship has been exacerbated by the removal of petrol subsidies and naira devaluation, leading to increased transportation costs and inflation.
“The National Assembly must wake up to their responsibility and hold the executive accountable for these retrogressive policies,” Ayantunji urged. “It’s time to reverse the policies that have stagnated our nation and pushed more Nigerians below the poverty line.”
Ayantunji’s statement echoes the sentiments of many Nigerians who feel the government has failed to address the country’s pressing issues. The federal government has declared today a public holiday to commemorate the anniversary, with the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulating Nigerians on this occasion.
As Nigeria celebrates its independence, Ayantunji’s message serves as a call to action for the government to prioritize the welfare and development of its citizens.
Key Concerns Raised by Comrade Taiwo Ayantunji included soaring inflation and transportation costs due to petrol subsidy removal and naira devaluation, increased insecurity since President Tinubu’s assumption of office, near-zero progress in human capital development and National Assembly’s failure to hold the executive accountable for retrogressive policies
Will the government heed Ayantunji’s call and address these pressing concerns? Only time will tell.