A faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has placed blame on former President Muhammadu Buhari and the ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, for the ongoing economic hardship in Nigeria.
In a recent statement signed by its Publicity and Organizing Secretaries, Jare Ajayi and Kole Omololu, the faction criticized the economic policies of Buhari’s administration.
The statement particularly highlighted the failure of Buhari’s government to allocate funds for subsidies in the last budget, leading President Bola Tinubu to promptly remove the fuel subsidy upon assuming office.
Afenifere accused Buhari of neglecting critical issues such as kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism during his tenure.
The faction also referenced a probe panel’s allegation against Emefiele for purportedly printing N22.7 trillion through unconventional means while the federal government resorted to borrowing to meet salary and pension obligations.
Afenifere noted that some ministers had suggested subsidy removal during Buhari’s administration, but those recommendations were not implemented.
Commending President Tinubu for his quick action in amending his inauguration address and terminating the subsidy regime, Afenifere expressed support for the decision, pointing out the absence of subsidy appropriations from June 2023 onwards.
Part of the statement read: “President Buhari could not rein in his critical officials like the then Governor of CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele, who was printing money rather than facing the reality of taking the difficult decisions, which were postponed till the evil day.
“He even wanted to contest the presidential election! There were no penalties for his infractions by President Buhari. These inactions and false lives continued till May 29, 2023, when the new helmsman, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, was sworn in as president.
“President Tinubu wasted no time amending his inauguration address and declaring the subsidy regime over. This was obvious as there was no appropriation for subsidy from June 2023.”