By Olusegun Olanrewaju
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) charges the government to mitigate the suffering of the people by propagating people-centric policies.
The call was made during a public discussion organised by the Hawkins Deck of NAS in the Alimosho/Agege axis of Lagos State to commemorate Nigeria Independence Day.
The event was held virtually (on Zoom).
The guest speaker, Dr Adeolu Oyekan, while commenting on the status of the economy, stated that several policies of the present administration have adversely affected many Nigerians, putting a high percentage of the populace under the poverty line.
He said fuel subsidy removal, floating of the naira, and high interest rates have led to massive downsizing in the commercial space, leading to a very high unemployment rate.
“Nigerians are struggling to exist at the moment,” he added.
During the online event, surveys were conducted on the impact of government policies on people’s well-being, and 100 percent of respondents agreed that the government policies have adversely affected their well-being.
On political matters, especially on local government autonomy, Oyekan opined that the court ruling granting autonomy to the local government was a good effort by the present administration but charged the Federal Government to ensure the implementation of the ruling.
Oyekan, who is a unionist and researcher based in Lagos State, reiterated that the present administration seemed to be accelerating towards the ditch at a very high speed with several economic policies that are adversely impacting the wellbeing of Nigerians.
He charged the government to change its operation model to start developing and implementing policies that will reduce the pains and sufferings of Nigerians.
He expressed strong displeasure in palliative/hand-downs being distributed to Nigerians in the name of supporting them during the economic hardship fostered on them by the present administration.
The event was held as part of the NAS Strategic Plan under the Good Governance Theme and Citizens Summit Project.
