Leadnaija
National Youth Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Ismaeel Ahmed, has called on President Bola Tinubu to show empathy on Nigerians over his economic policies.
Ahmed stated that government reforms must come with considerations and effective grassroots engagement to ensure public understanding and acceptance.
The APC Youth Leader led this out while speaking at a special Democracy Day lecture held at the State House, in Abuja, on Thursday.
Ahmed said that while tough economic policies were often necessary, they become more acceptable when citizens understand the reasons behind them.
He said: “I think these economic reforms, decisions, or policies that are sound are usually unpopular because they are tough. The people who have the responsibility of explaining them to the general public are not just government appointees, but those elected by the people.
“The President and the Vice President need to move around the country and talk to people directly.
“When people are going through pain, they want to hear from those they cast their votes for that matters a lot.
“Reforms are necessary, but they have to come with empathy. What does empathy mean? It means ‘I feel your pains, I understand what you are going through.’
“The moment people understand why, it becomes easier for them to endure the how. But that has to come from elected officials, governors, the President, Vice President, and members of the National Assembly.
“It has to be more than just talking in Abuja or making policy statements. It has to cascade. Policy prescriptions are usually technical; you need to break them down. That’s why you need politicians to speak to the people and carry the message downwards.”
