The League of Northern Democrats has called on President Bola Tinubu to lead by example following his recent efforts to reduce the cost of governance in his administration. Amid rising criticism regarding extravagant expenditures, the group believes that the President must demonstrate genuine concern for the people’s welfare by curbing his flamboyant lifestyle during these challenging times.
In a report by Gistmania, it was highlighted that President Tinubu has faced backlash over purchasing high-cost items, prompting the Northern Democrats to urge a more austere approach. They argue that the President’s actions should reflect his commitment to the Nigerian populace, especially when many citizens are grappling with economic hardship.
As part of his cost-cutting measures, President Tinubu has limited ministerial convoys to three vehicles. This decision, however, has not been met with unanimous approval. Ladan Salihu, the spokesman for the Northern group, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures during a segment on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. “Look, leadership is all about inspiration. It’s not an inverted pyramid. You have to, by your ways, by your actions, show the led from the best of examples,” he stated.
Salihu raised concerns over the symbolism of the President’s austerity measures, questioning the actual impact on governance. “You cannot buy a presidential jet for 170 billion at the going rate and buy a yacht for five billion and do a cost-saving measure,” he pointed out, emphasizing that these expenditures undermine the intended savings. He added, “Put together, that is almost half of these expenses. So, it is just merely symbolic.”
Critiquing the three-vehicle limit for ministerial convoys, Salihu further questioned the fate of the remaining vehicles. “Where are they going to be warehoused? Are they going to be kept in the garage? The vehicles are there already,” he argued, suggesting that this policy may not lead to substantial changes in the way ministers operate.
Salihu concluded with a stark warning: “So, we are not, in my opinion, about to see a drastic change in the chain of convoys ministers have.” He expressed doubt that ministers would truly adhere to the new regulations, stating, “If someone tells me it is going to happen; if somebody tells you it is going to happen, we are just fooling ourselves.”
As the League of Northern Democrats continues to advocate for more meaningful reforms, the pressure is on President Tinubu to not only implement cost-saving measures but also to embody the change he seeks to promote within his administration.
