A Northern group known as Arewa Think Tank has come forward to assert that the recent surge of attacks against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is orchestrated by greedy politicians aiming to incite Nigerians amidst economic hardship.
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the Chief Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, emphasized the severity of the economic challenges but expressed optimism in Tinubu’s efforts to find lasting solutions.
Yakubu stated, “This issue of hunger in this country has been overdramatized, with due respect to some few genuine Nigerians that really need support. If you look at the history of Nigeria since Independence, there is no regime that hunger, poverty has not been overdramatized in Nigeria.”
He cautioned against falling into the traps set by those who do not wish for President Tinubu’s administration to succeed, urging caution and a balanced perspective amid global economic challenges. Yakubu acknowledged genuine issues but warned against allowing disgruntled politicians or elements, potentially in collaboration with foreigners, to destabilize the country.
Drawing parallels to the Second Republic, Yakubu highlighted that economic challenges have been a recurrent theme in Nigeria’s history. He urged giving the Tinubu-led government breathing space and time before passing severe judgments.
The Arewa Think Tank proposed a swift solution to address challenges and food insecurity, suggesting collaboration among federal, state, and local governments. Yakubu recommended setting aside N20 million every month in each local government to purchase and distribute foodstuffs to the most needy. He attributed the artificial food scarcity and insecurity to the actions of some greedy politicians, middlemen, and businessmen.
“If this can be done in the next three to six months, it will go a long way to ameliorate this artificial food scarcity and insecurity which were created by some very greedy politicians, middlemen, and businessmen,” Yakubu concluded.
