Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s policies are well-meaning but not sufficient to drive the necessary change in Nigeria. Fayemi emphasized that intentionality and an effective policy framework must align with leadership acumen to produce the desired results.
“Well-Meaning Is Not Enough”
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and close ally of the president remarked:
“He (Tinubu) is well-meaning, but well-meaning is not enough in leadership; intentionality is critical to success.”
Fayemi stressed that those in power often know the right course of action but fail to act decisively due to various “mediating factors” that influence governance.
Tinubu’s Bold Moves and Economic Challenges
The former governor acknowledged Tinubu’s courage in taking difficult decisions that past administrations avoided, but he also noted the severe economic consequences they have had on Nigerians.
Key policies he referenced include:
- Fuel subsidy removal, which has drastically increased the cost of living.
- Foreign exchange unification, leading to currency devaluation and inflation.
- Student loan initiatives, aimed at improving access to education.
- Security efforts, to combat insurgency and rising criminal activities.
- Tax policy reforms, designed to boost government revenue.
Despite these efforts, Fayemi noted that these policy measures must be better integrated to deliver real benefits to Nigerians.
“The fallout of those decisions has caused us a huge cost-of-living crisis.”
Need for a Holistic Strategy
Fayemi advised that beyond making bold policy choices, the government must focus on execution and synergy between policies and leadership acumen.
“Maybe that’s the area where we need to do a lot more.”
His comments reflect growing concerns among political and economic analysts about the practical impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms, with many urging the administration to implement targeted relief measures to cushion the hardship faced by Nigerians.
As public pressure mounts, the coming months will test Tinubu’s ability to translate bold policies into tangible progress for the country.
