The first 100 days of President Bola Tinubu‘s administration have been mixed with a cloud of uncertainty, anxiety, and despair among Nigerians.
Development Diaries reports that Tinubu completed his first 100 days in office on 06 September amid economic hardship in Africa’s most populous country.
His time in office commenced with his ‘subsidy is gone’ declaration, which resulted in a spiraling increase in the cost of living.
The fuel subsidy removal has pushed 7.1 million more Nigerians into poverty, according to World Bank data, setting off record inflation and currency devaluation, and crippling businesses.
While the situation of things has exposed the government’s lack of planning before making policies, it has not done its best in trying to cushion the shock on citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
The fact that funds are being sent to states for palliatives through a federal and state system that is corrupt, wasteful, and ineffective raises fears that the issue could become worse.
Although a 100-day period is not enough to assess the performance of an administration, the timeframe provides a marker for the new president’s mission.
In security, the country continues to record outrageous killings and abductions. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on 20 August that at least 23 local government areas (LGA) were controlled by bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States.
Also, despite the country’s economic performance and dwindling revenues, Tinubu’s presidency has continued the system of having a bloated governance, with the appointment of 45 ministers – the highest in the country’s history.
Furthermore, there has been continued industrial unrest, as the labour unions and health workers have continued to call for strike actions to press home their demands.
In the area of upholding human rights and the rule of law, President Tinubu has remarkably failed, as former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, remains in custody despite a court ruling for his release.
Also, since the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on 14 June, the DSS has yet to charge him.
In his most recent address to the country, on 31 July, the president announced that his administration had made provisions to invest N100 billion between then and March 2024 to acquire 3,000 units of 20-seater buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).
However, it appears that citizens have only been left with promises, promises and more promises.
It is safe to conclude that the first 100 days of President Tinubu’s administration have been uninspiring, leaving citizens with so much to be desired.
Development Diaries calls on the president to ensure that the coming days reflect a positive change in restoring the economy, improving security, creating jobs and reducing poverty and suffering among the people.
Photo source: Bola Tinubu
