Subsidy removal : Nigerians deserve dividends of democracy — Ajadi

The 2023 governorship candidate of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ogun State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi, has said Nigerians deserve dividends of democracy particularly during this present economic hardship.

This is just as the Chairman Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Raji Adebayo, implored politicians, particularly the political office holders from local government level to the state and federal to deliver on their campaign promises because this is the only way the dividends of democracy can get to the masses

Ajadi lamented that Nigerian citizens have not been enjoying dividends of democracy from their leaders who are only concern with personal gains at the expense of majority of Nigerians.

Speaking at the closing event for the 2023 Press Week of the Correspondent Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Ajadi wondered why government would think the solution to cushion effect of removal of fuel subsidy is to share money, stating that such money should be channel

towards the growth and progress of the nation.

He maintained that there is no way government can identify the poorest of the poor the palliatives is actually meant for without the money been diverted to the account of politicians.

He said, “There is no transparency and clarity in activities of the government, for genuine transparency, let all names of beneficiaries from the palliatives be publish on newspaper with their account number before the palliatives is distbursed.

“Nigerians don’t expect money from the government, what they need is good governance, good road network, stable electricity, let us begin to enjoy dividends of democracy by giving Nigerians monthly allowance as citizens of the country.”

He however urged journalists to practice the ethics of the profession, noting that their efforts towards nation building cannot be overemphasized.

Raji on his part, said “I want to use this opportunity to implore our politicians, particularly the political office holders from the local government level to the state and at the federal level to deliver on their campaign promises, because this is the only way the dividends of democracy can get to the masses.

“Again, I will also say, in my own personal opinion, this policy of giving palliatives to the people, is just a political statement which is not really serving the need of the general populace, rather I will prefer that funds that are being made available for palliatives should be channelled towards infrastructural development such as roads, health, education and others that will be of benefits to all irrespective of our status.

“We all need good roads, health facilities, security, education for our children and other social amenities, but palliatives will only ends in the hands of the few party members and political jobbers.”