By Amos Akande

The National President of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Ambali Olatunji, tackles President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policy, saying it is hurting the masses.

Olatunji stated this on Tuesday, 27th September, 2023 during the opening session of a two-day National Youth Conference in Benin, Edo state.

He also criticized Tinubu for running an over-bloated cabinet comprising ministers and a plethora of aides.

He noted that President Tinubu needs to understand the suffering of the people. Olatunji said that 45 ministers and a horde of aides are a huge burden on a fragile economy.

He also condemned the removal of fuel subsidy without a plan to assuage the pains and stated that the current economic policy of the administration is hurting and biting the poor and vulnerable most.

He said, “We should be talking of cutting down on the cost of governance at a time like this rather than doing things that compound the already bad situation. About 26 ministers and a few aides would have been enough considering what the country is undergoing at present.

“The President also hurriedly removed the fuel subsidy without putting in place measures to mitigate the effect, which is why we are at this abysmal level.

Hopefully, he will retrace his steps, and the country can move in the right direction. You cannot say Nigerians should adjust their standard of living while you live in affluence. Nigerians are going through traumatic experiences. People are frustrated, but we should not lose hope.”