Political scientist urges urgent action to address national issues
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Political scientist Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the ongoing hunger crisis and perceived selective justice in Nigeria. Speaking at the inauguration of a “Citizens Assembly” town hall meeting in Lokoja, Usman emphasized the need for immediate government action to mitigate the suffering caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The event, organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central) in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), provided a platform for citizens to express concerns and offer feedback to the government.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy without a proper plan has caused severe hardship,” Usman said. “This is what is driving hunger across the country. Mr. President, Nigerians are hungry and angry. When people are hungry, anger naturally follows.”
While Usman acknowledged that the president’s other policies have merit, he warned that any policy causing hunger would overshadow positive initiatives. He noted that while palliatives have been provided, they are insufficient in the face of rising fuel prices, which have reached as high as ₦1,100 per liter, and skyrocketing food costs.
“As this is a Citizens’ Assembly and a forum for feedback, we advise Mr. President to urgently address the issue of hunger in the land,” Usman said.
He also raised concerns about perceived selective justice under the current administration, alleging that some politicians with corruption accusations have escaped scrutiny while others, particularly in Kogi State, are being targeted.
“Justice appears to be applied unfairly, favoring certain individuals or groups,” Usman said, citing examples from Rivers, Kano, and Zamfara states, where accused politicians are now holding prominent positions in the current administration. He specifically referenced Rivers State’s former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the FCT, despite allegations of a ₦400 billion fraud involving his former Accountant General, as well as similar cases in Zamfara and Kano.
“Why is the case of Kogi different? Why are laws being enforced selectively, with some individuals targeted while others go unpunished?” Usman questioned, describing the ongoing EFCC investigation against former Governor Yahaya Bello as politically motivated.
Despite his concerns, Usman commended Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, SSA to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), for initiating the town hall meeting, emphasizing the importance of addressing hunger, which, he argued, transcends tribe or religion.
“If Mr. President addresses hunger as a priority, many other issues will naturally fall into place,” Usman concluded.
