Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has described defending the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government as a formidable challenge, citing flawed policy implementation as a major concern.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Enugu on Monday, Ezekwesili responded to remarks by the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo, who emphasized the need for Nigeria to prioritize research and development for national prosperity.
Ojo had highlighted that while China invests heavily in research and development, Nigeria focuses more on infrastructure provision, noting that without such a shift, sustained economic growth and prosperity would remain elusive.
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“It Is A Tough Job To Have To Defend The APC Government. You Can Do The Right Policies But If You Do It The Wrong Way, There Will Be A Problem,” Ezekwesili stated. She cited the removal of fuel subsidy as an example of a well-intentioned policy poorly executed, which triggered significant inflationary pressures.
“The Reform Was Not Prepared For. It Was A Good Reform Done The Wrong Way. It Is Bad Because Inflation Is Punishing The Populace. You Really Have To Prepare For Reform,” Ezekwesili added. She further noted that the President’s declaration, “Subsidy Is Gone,” has left many Nigerians struggling with economic hardship.
“Inflation Hits The Poor So Hard And They Have Nowhere To Run To. It Was A Good Reform Done Wrongly,” Ezekwesili maintained.
She also called on lawyers and the judiciary to resist prebendalism and refrain from succumbing to the demands of political actors who show little concern for the welfare of ordinary citizens.
“The idea that politics is the pathway to becoming wealthy is an anomaly,” Ezekwesili observed. “Any profession that is rewarding this kind of pre-examined behavior cannot be a profession that cares about tomorrow.”
Highlighting the scale of poverty in Nigeria, Ezekwesili added, “133 million Nigerians are in a state of poverty. The lawyers are determining the rule of law in Nigeria. There should be an evaluation of the political class. This country lies prostrate for the poor. I am praying for the legal profession. Any profession that is rewarding prebendalism is not a profession.”
Panelist George Etomi also expressed concerns over judicial independence, stating, “Our judiciary was more independent under the military. I don’t know what the new law is. They are abusing democracy today. We must protect the judiciary.”
During the discussion, many Nigerians expressed disappointment with President Tinubu’s policies, effectively passing a vote of no confidence in the government. When asked whether the country was on the right path under current policies, the overwhelming response was negative.
Similarly, respondents were asked whether the Renewed Hope Agenda had rekindled optimism, to which the majority replied with a resounding “no.”
