Former special adviser on political matters to Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said President Bola Tinubu‘s administration’s reforms have not translated into improved living conditions for citizens.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Baba-Ahmed made this known during an interview on ARISE Television’s ‘The Morning Show’, while criticising Tinubu’s recent remarks that Nigerians who do not see progress under his administration are either biased or unable to recognise development.
Tinubu had recently dismissed critics of his administration, saying those who fail to see the “hope” in his policies may need prescription glasses.
He said, “If they don’t want to see the hope… we shall lend them ‘jigi-bola’… eyeglasses.”
Reacting, Baba-Ahmed said Tinubu’s comment raised serious concerns about the government’s awareness of prevailing economic and security challenges.
According to him, Tinubu is disconnected from the realities confronting Nigerians, stressing that it will be difficult to applaud his performance with the level of poverty and accountability in the country.
He said, “There is no way you can live in this country, see the level of poverty and unaccountability, and still expect Nigerians to applaud your performance.
“We are more insecure, more hungry, and more desperate.
“The reforms on paper do not reflect the reality Nigerians face.
“There is no way you can live in this country, see the level of poverty, seeing the level of unaccountability, we’re not accounting for the funds we’re getting, and still say that Nigerians should see what you’re doing and applaud you.”
Baba-Ahmed also expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress could be defeated in a free and fair election, citing a disconnect between government perception and public sentiment.
He added, “If the president goes into an election with this mindset and allows a free and fair process, then we are home and dry.
“One of the reasons why we feel confident that we can defeat APC is exactly this kind of mindset.
“You have 10, 12, 20 failings of an administration that is saying we have done fantastic.”