ENOUGH OF THE BLAME GAME, MR. PRESIDENT - Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu

 

Nigerians are in pain. Hunger walks freely in the land. Inflation is out of control. Insecurity is a daily nightmare. Public infrastructure is crumbling, and millions now live on the edge of survival. With such unrelenting economic hardship, people are asking tough questions: Where is all the money going? Why has life become this unbearable, especially after the removal of fuel subsidy that was meant to save Nigeria billions?

A timely and thought-provoking discussion recently aired on Channels TV’s Politics Today, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, featuring Alwan Hassan, a chieftain of the ruling APC. The topic, “Nigeria Under Tinubu’s Watch,” couldn’t be more apt. The conversation explored the dire state of the economy and the deepening frustration of Nigerians. One critical question emerged from that discourse: Why are State Governors not being held accountable despite receiving massive monthly allocations post-subsidy removal?

That question hit a nerve, and rightly so.

Since the removal of fuel subsidy, federal allocations to states have increased significantly. We’re talking billions of naira monthly, flowing directly into the coffers of state governments. Yet, there’s little to nothing on ground to show for it. No jobs. No economic relief. No infrastructure upgrades. Just more hardship.

So, again, where is all the money going? Why is it that Governors appear invisible in conversations about Nigeria’s economic crisis, while the President bears all the blame?

Let’s be clear: Governors are not immune from scrutiny. If anything, they are at the frontline of governance. Yet, the Nigerian public discourse largely ignores their failings. This must change.

While some argue that citizens should demand accountability from their state governments, this expectation is misplaced given our political realities. Nigeria is not yet a fully matured democracy. Ours is still heavily feudal, where politicians are deified and political office is treated as royalty. The “Ranka Dede” culture, where public officials are worshipped instead of held accountable, is still alive and well.

In a country where millions are disenfranchised, impoverished, and preoccupied with survival, expecting citizens to boldly confront their Governors is a tall order. Civic engagement is low. Political education is weaker. Institutions meant to ensure transparency are either compromised or non-functional. In such an environment, the onus falls on the President to lead the charge for accountability.

If President Tinubu truly intends to pull Nigeria out of this economic quagmire, he must stop passing the buck. He cannot continue to act as though the failings of Governors are outside his purview. He is the President. The buck stops at his desk.

He must:

●Demand transparency from the Governors.

●Audit and publish how state allocations are being used.

●Tie further disbursements to measurable performance indicators.

●Name and shame underperforming Governors.

●Stop shielding state-level rot with silence.

Mr. President, you cannot continue to preside over a nation in distress while playing the blame game. If you know that Governors are sabotaging your economic agenda, tell Nigerians. Otherwise, their failures become your burden.

As Seun Okinbaloye’s programme rightly asked, What does Nigeria look like under Tinubu’s watch? If the answer is what Nigerians are currently living through, then it is time to take responsibility and take action.

The country is running out of patience. And history will not be kind to any leader who had the chance to steer Nigeria toward recovery but chose, instead, to look away.