Tinubu's policies are hurting us and Emejuru said it plainly

Chris Emejuru, a chieftain of the Action Democratic Party, has come out to say what many of us have been feeling since 2023. In a statement on Sunday, he told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the economic policies, especially the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, are hurting Nigerians. He said although the reforms had good intentions, the results have been painful for the common man.

Emejuru asked a question that I have been asking myself: why is poverty still the dominant issue in Nigeria? He pointed out that the increase in petrol prices has affected food prices, rent, transportation, and everything else, leaving millions more in poverty. He said, "They made things worse. The increase in petrol prices has impacted food prices, rent, transportation, and other critical sectors of the economy, leaving millions more in poverty." He also noted that the exchange rate is now around N1,400 to the dollar, which means many Nigerians who used to travel abroad, pay school fees, or import goods can no longer do so.

I agree with him that the reforms should have been gradual, with safety nets like cheaper transportation, grants for farmers, and incentives for housing. But I am tired of hearing excuses. We are in August 2026 and life has not improved for the average person in Ibadan, Kano, or Port Harcourt. The government talks about long-term gains, but we are suffering now. Be honest, has your own life improved since these policies started?