Our govt incompetent, weak but give us another chance – Tinubu begs Nigerians

Ilesanmi AdekanbiNovember 13, 2022

2 minutes read

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has admitted the present government under his party is incompetent and weak.

Tinubu appealed to Nigerians not to give up on the APC government “there might be weaknesses and inadequacies in expectation.”

Tinubu spoke on Saturday at the funeral of the mother of Ondo State governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Owo.

Responding to complaints on the failures of the political class by Anglican Bishop, Rt Revd Dr Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, the officiating minister, Mr Tinubu admitted that “no one wants failure” but appealed that the people should not abandon him and his party.

“Thank God we are alive, there might be weaknesses and inadequacies in expectation. No one wants failure

“You cannot give up on us. We will do better. We will contribute to the improvement you might want,” the presidential hopeful assured.

During his sermon, Mr Fagbemi lamented the prevailing economic hardship and underdevelopment in the country, while challenging politicians at the burial to move the country forward.

“Go to hospitals and schools and see what Nigeria is like,” the cleric quipped. “I encourage you to go to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) here in Owo to campaign and see what the future holds.”

“The poor are getting poorer.

“Nigeria needs a change that will ensure safety and security in villages.

“We need a government that understands the economy. Life is hard. Let our leaders be careful to help us move forward. The best place to start a campaign is the hospital,” the preacher emphasised.

Nigerians are facing gripping difficulties as the country prepares for another general election in February and March next year.

The APC government under President Muhammadu Buhari will be completing an eight-year rule at the centre and is pushing to keep power beyond 2023 through Mr Tinubu.

Analysts, however, say the performance of the ruling party has been poor on all important development indices since gaining power in 2015.

The economy has worsened under Mr Buhari with the country twice falling into recession, the latest in 2020. Unemployment rate remains prohibitive while the country’s currency, naira, continues to lose value against the dollar at an alarming rate due to lack of Forex revenue.

Insecurity has also assumed a frightening dimension. Insurgents and bandits have taken over large swaths of the country, especially in the North. The criminals have remained daring in their attacks, recently bombing a federal prison in the nation’s capital to free their cohorts. The presidential entourage has also twice been attacked this year.

Kidnappers are giving many road travellers and villagers around the country nightmares with incessant abductions for huge ransoms and sometimes death, in the case of default.

The dignitaries present at the service include Tinubu himself, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbanjo, Governors of Ogun, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Osun, Gboyega Oyetola and Oyo, Engr Seyi Makinde, represented by his wife, Olufunke.

Also in attendance include, former Governors of Ekiti state, Dr Kayode Fayemi and wife, Erelu Bisi; Ogun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Ondo, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, Minister of Science and Technology and Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora

Others are, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa; DG DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye; members of the Bar and the Bench; captains of industry; political associates; technocrats; Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN; Chief Bisi Akande; Titi Laoye-Tomori, representatives of traditional rulers; senator Iyiola Omisore and Chief Femi Falana, SAN, among several dignitaries