The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has expressed deep concern over the worsening state of affairs in Nigeria, urging President Bola Tinubu to address the growing hardship faced by Nigerians.
In a statement issued yesterday by the YCE General Secretary, Oladipo Oyewole, the council acknowledged its optimism for a positive turnaround in the country but emphasized that the current realities were causing significant distress.
The statement reads: “The YCE remains hopeful that Nigeria will experience a positive transformation. However, based on the limited information available regarding government activities, there is a great deal of suffering across the country.”
While the elders maintained their belief in the government’s capacity for change, they stressed the urgent need for focused attention on the welfare of the masses. “The interest of the masses to live a decent life must be prioritized,” the statement continued.
Oyewole noted that the rising cost of petroleum products, coupled with the erratic electricity supply, had exacerbated the everyday struggles of Nigerians. He urged the Federal Government to deliver tangible benefits to the people, not merely through temporary palliatives, but by implementing sustainable governance measures that would improve the quality of life.
“Every Nigerian deserves to benefit from our nation’s common resources. Presently, the suffering is profound—there is no consistent power supply, no fuel, and food is becoming scarce,” the statement added.
The YCE called on President Tinubu to revisit his policies and address the immediate needs of Nigerians, without sacrificing long-term development goals. “As elders, we seek immediate relief for the people to enhance their welfare and ensure that all Nigerians can live in comfort and harmony,” the council urged.
The council concluded with a strong message to the President: “The state of the nation today is a bitter pill to swallow. The administration must act swiftly to ensure that its governance intentions translate into better living conditions for Nigerians. The suffering must be alleviated without delay.”
The YCE reiterated its call for the government to take prompt, effective action to ease the hardships currently burdening the population.
