The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has slammed a report by the world bank encouraging Nigerians to embrace President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms as it was already bearing fruits. The former FCT Minister speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update in Abuja, urged the federal government to review its current monetary and fiscal policies, stating that they are not working effectively.
He called on the government to avoid being dogmatic in its approach, emphasizing the urgent need for change due to the growing hardship in the country.
The governor highlighted the plight of ordinary Nigerians, warning that hunger and economic hardship have created a volatile situation. He revealed that even people in his position are facing the threat of being lynched by frustrated citizens.
In his words: “When the reforms started, the sub-nationals supported the President. But now, the macroeconomic policies causing inflation need to be reconsidered. There is hunger, people are suffering, and Nigerians are not benefitting from these reforms.”
Governor Mohammed also called on the federal government to develop more effective economic policies, stressing that the funds currently being received are insufficient to address the widespread hunger. “What are you doing to reduce hunger? We must help the people cope,” he added.
“The purchasing power of the people has drastically diminished. My brother Cardoso, these policies are not working. They need to be reviewed. Let’s not resort to blackmail.”
Addressing the issue of electricity, the governor remarked: “What about power? The tariffs are so high that people cannot afford to pay. We are on the brink of being lynched. These policies are not working. We must review them.”
