Kogi-born political activist and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Austin Okai, has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to reevaluate its policies as citizens face unprecedented hardship. Okai made these remarks in a statement titled “Nigerians in Despair, People Are Hungry, The Crime Rate is on the Rise,” released on Tuesday in Abuja.
Okai criticized the current economic strategies, stating they have failed to yield positive outcomes and have instead exacerbated the suffering of millions of Nigerians. He urged the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to convene an emergency meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the pressing economic challenges.
“This is not the time to appease those in power; it is a time for honesty and accountability for the sake of our nation,” Okai asserted, emphasizing the need for genuine efforts to tackle the crisis.
He highlighted the growing vulnerability of citizens, citing the alarming rise in crime rates as a direct consequence of the economic downturn. Okai also pointed to the ongoing fuel scarcity, which has forced many Nigerians to spend up to 24 hours at filling stations in search of fuel. This, coupled with the plummeting value of the Naira, has made basic necessities unaffordable for countless families.
“The daily struggle to secure fuel and the skyrocketing cost of living are pushing Nigerians to the brink,” he lamented, stressing the urgency for immediate and effective policy changes.
Okai advocated for a comprehensive economic strategy that prioritizes the welfare of the people, urging the government to implement reforms that reflect the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens. He called on Nigerians to unite in demanding accountability from their leaders, underscoring the growing discontent and the urgent need for decisive action.
“We cannot sit back and watch our nation crumble. It is time for us to stand together and advocate for the change we desperately need,” Okai concluded, appealing to the populace to push for meaningful reforms that will alleviate the economic hardships.