Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has warned President Bola Tinubu against declaring a state of emergency over the current economic hardship in the country.
Ohanaeze Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a statement said declaring a state of emergency would serve as a diversion that would fail to address the sufferings Nigerians are experiencing.
Isiguzoro advised the president to take decisive steps by dismantling his economic team and replacing them with accomplished economists and policymakers.
He further urged President Tinubu to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians through the implementation of sustainable economic solutions, including debt relief, reduction of governance costs, temporary fuel subsidy restoration, and subsidized fertilizers for farmers.
In his words:
“In a momentous and persuasive declaration, Ohanaeze Ndigbo tackles the critical issues plaguing our nation under the leadership of Tinubu. It is explicit: Nigerians and Ndigbo require tangible and practical solutions to extricate themselves from the current economic hardships.
“Mere words and any declaration of a state of emergency by Tinubu will serve as a diversion that will fail to address the substantial suffering and challenges faced by the people. To resolve these entrenched issues necessitates concrete action far beyond symbolic gestures.
“Tinubu must take decisive steps to alleviate the pervasive economic hardships. This includes dismantling his ineffective economic team and monetary policymakers and replacing them with accomplished economists of international stature such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and Kalu Idika Kalu.
“Seeking their expertise is imperative to salvage the economy from ruin, as failure to do so will result in dire consequences with profound political and security ramifications.
“By enlisting international experts like Okonjo-Iweala, Adesina, and Idika Kalu, Tinubu can prioritize the welfare of Nigerians through the implementation of sustainable economic solutions, including debt relief, reduction of governance costs, temporary fuel subsidy restoration, and subsidized fertilizers for farmers. It is paramount to seek viable strategies to alleviate the burdens on ordinary Nigerians during this economic crisis.”