The Nigeria Youths for Atiku (NYFA), a prominent support group for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his handling of Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions.
The group’s President, Prof. Gold Emmanuel, issued a statement on Saturday, urging the President to address the nation and consider policy reversals to prevent potential protests.
In a statement signed by Dare Dada, the NYFA’s Director of Publicity, Prof. Emmanuel said Nigerians are facing severe socio-economic struggles under the current administration.
She emphasized the need for President Tinubu to engage directly with the public and address their grievances transparently.
Prof. Emmanuel criticized the President for not adequately addressing the dire economic situation.
“Nigerians are going through the worst of times. Instead of suppressing dissent and shutting down voices, the President should be engaging with the people and addressing their concerns,” she declared.
She called for the reversal of policies that have been widely criticized, including the high cost of petroleum products.
The NYFA suggested reinstating a subsidy to reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N200, citing the expected start of refined product sales by Dangote Group as a potential opportunity to manage prices and alleviate public suffering.
The NYFA also called for significant economic reforms, including a reduction in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and the cash reserve ratio, to support the real sector and encourage economic stability.
Prof. Emmanuel argued that the high interest rates are stifling growth and affecting businesses, particularly manufacturers who have been hit hard by foreign exchange volatility.
The statement reaffirmed NYFA’s support for Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, and urged him to consider another run in 2027.
Prof. Emmanuel praised Atiku’s 2023 manifesto and expressed confidence in his ability to address Nigeria’s economic and political challenges.
