AYCF Leader Urges Tinubu’s Administration to Prioritize Empathy and Effective Policies

The National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Comrade Yerima Shettima, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to adopt policies that alleviate the struggles of Nigerians and demonstrate greater sensitivity to their challenges.

Lack of Hope Among Nigerians

In an interview with The Sun, Shettima expressed concerns over the current administration's policies, stating that many Nigerians feel a lack of hope. He emphasized the need for flexibility in policy-making, saying:
“There is nothing bad in dropping a policy that does not give hope to the people. They should come up with policies that will allow Nigerians to breathe.”

Shettima also urged the government to consider the unique challenges facing Nigeria, cautioning against blindly adopting foreign economic models.
“An economic policy that has worked somewhere successfully does not mean it must work here in Nigeria. The government must be very sensitive concerning the policy models they import into our situation.”

Addressing Hunger, Insecurity, and Public Despair

Shettima lamented the ongoing issues of hunger and insecurity, calling for immediate action:
“This country is hugely blessed, and there is no reason for Nigerians to be in this mess if the government decides to be more sensitive to the plight of the people. Yes, there is hunger, there is insecurity, and Nigerians want to see gradual progress taking place.”

While acknowledging that it may be too early to objectively evaluate Tinubu’s government, Shettima urged the administration to inspire hope among citizens:
“The onus is still on the government to raise the leadership bar that will inspire hope in the people.”

Blame on Buhari’s Administration

Shettima attributed many of Nigeria's current economic challenges to the policies of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, arguing that the damage caused during that period cannot be undone quickly.
“The reality, as I have said, is that the government cannot reverse the damage of the Buhari regime as easily as most Nigerians think. They cannot even reverse all the mess in four years, but Nigerians should begin to see conscious relief, improvement, and the government coming up with policies that give hope.”