FUEL SUBSIDY IS A GOOD REFORM IMPLEMENTED WRONGLY - EZEKWISILI

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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA

Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has asserted that it would be an arduous endeavor to justify the administration of President Bola Tinubu in Nigeria due to its misguided policies.

During the Panel Discussion at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association conference in Enugu on Monday, Ezekwesili responded to the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo’s proposition that Nigeria should prioritize research and development to achieve prosperity.

Ojo, while delivering a keynote address, highlighted that China allocates substantial resources to research and development, whereas Nigeria invests heavily in infrastructure. He noted that until this shift occurs, economic growth and prosperity would remain out of reach for the country.

“It is a challenging task to support the APC government. One can adopt sound policies, but if executed improperly, complications will arise,” Ezekwesili remarked. She cited the elimination of the fuel subsidy as an instance of a well-intentioned policy that was poorly implemented, resulting in escalating inflation.

“The reform was not adequately anticipated. It was a beneficial reform approached incorrectly. It is detrimental because inflation is adversely affecting the populace. Thorough preparation for reform is essential,” Ezekwesili stated, adding that the declaration “Subsidy is gone” by the President has driven many Nigerians into destitution.

“Inflation severely impacts the impoverished, leaving them with no alternatives. It was a worthy reform executed ineffectively,” she asserted.

Ezekwesili urged legal professionals and the judiciary to avoid endorsing prebendalism and to refrain from catering to the desires of the political elite, who are indifferent to the struggles of the common people.

“The notion that politics serves as a route to wealth is a deviation,” Ezekwesili commented. “Any profession that rewards this type of previously examined conduct cannot genuinely care about the future. ”

“With 133 million Nigerians living in poverty, the legal community plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law in Nigeria. There should be an assessment of the political class. This nation is faltering for the underprivileged. I beseech the legal profession. Any field that condones prebendalism cannot be considered a true profession,” she lamented.

Another panelist, George Etomi, voiced concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary, remarking, “Our judiciary was more autonomous during the military regime. I am unclear about the current legislation. Democracy is being misused today. We must safeguard the judiciary. ”

In a panel discussion, participants expressed their discontent with President Tinubu’s policies, delivering a vote of no confidence in his administration. When queried if the nation was progressing with the government’s strategies, the predominant response was “no.”

Similarly, when asked if their optimism had been revitalized under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the answer was again a resounding “no.”