The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to alleviate the suffering faced by Nigerians amid the current economic challenges. This appeal was made by MUSWEN President Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo during the 9th MUSWEN General Assembly, which was attended by notable figures including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal.
Oladejo emphasized the need for the Tinubu administration to approach the economic situation with caution and to demonstrate empathy towards the populace. He urged the President to allocate the financial benefits from the removal of subsidies to critical areas such as security, infrastructure development, electrification, food production, and job creation initiatives.
He firmly stated that food importation should not be considered as a viable solution, warning that it would undermine the rationale behind subsidy removal. Additionally, Oladejo expressed concerns regarding the proposed tax reform bill, urging the President to heed the concerns raised by various groups across the country.
In his remarks, Oladejo acknowledged that while the current economic difficulties were not solely the result of the Tinubu administration’s policies, it was imperative for the government to take decisive actions to improve the living conditions of citizens. He reminded attendees that Nigerians voted for the current government with the expectation that it would work towards enhancing their quality of life.
Oladejo also cautioned the public against falling prey to political narratives that seek to undermine the administration’s efforts, suggesting that some politicians continue to politicize governmental actions for their own gain. He reiterated that, despite the challenges posed by the economic policies, these measures are intended to rectify past mismanagement and stabilize the economy.
Furthermore, he highlighted MUSWEN’s commitment to social responsibility, noting that the organization has been involved in distributing palliatives to those in need, viewing this as both a moral and religious duty.