Ex-Minister, chief Essien Sounds Alarm on Hunger Crisis, Urges Tinubu to Reevaluate Economic Policies
Chief Nduese Essien, ex- minister of Lands Housing and Urban Development, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reassess its economic policies, warning that rising hunger and discontent among Nigerians could lead to potential unrest.
He criticized the government’s recent decisions, particularly the swift removal of fuel subsidies, arguing that these measures have exacerbated poverty and inflation, leaving millions struggling to meet their basic needs.
Emphasizing the need for a balanced approach, he called for fiscal discipline while ensuring that citizens are not pushed deeper into poverty as he condemned the reckless management of the nation’s resources, arguing that the government must provide relief to the populace rather than demanding sacrifices without clear plans to ease their burdens.
Chief Essien also lamented the underperformance of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which he co-advocated for during its establishment. He criticized the Commission for becoming a symbol of corruption and inefficiency, stating that billions of naira are wasted on unfulfilled projects while the needs of the people remain unmet. Essien called for a renewed focus on the NDDC’s original mandate of development, warning that continued mismanagement would exacerbate the challenges faced by the Niger Delta region.
Additionally, Essien called for a shift towards true federalism, advocating for the devolution of developmental responsibilities to regional governments. He emphasized that regions should receive greater revenue to manage their resources effectively and supported the implementation of recommendations from the 2014 National Conference aimed at empowering local governments. Essien also highlighted the urgent need for electoral reforms to enhance transparency and trust in the electoral process, urging the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act for better governance.
