“Renewed Hope Turns to Hopelessness,” Says Northern Elder Group

In a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Professor Usman Yusuf, a prominent member of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has denounced the touted “Renewed Hope Agenda” as a pathway to hopelessness. Yusuf, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), voiced his concerns during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

Yusuf lamented the disillusionment among Nigerians, asserting that instead of injecting hope into the populace, the Tinubu-led government has exacerbated feelings of despair over the past year. He expressed anguish at witnessing citizens queueing for meager palliatives, emphasizing that the promise of renewed hope has devolved into a stark reality of hopelessness.

The Northern elder condemned what he perceived as a year marked by deception, destitution, and dashed expectations. He highlighted the plight of millions thrust into multidimensional poverty and the growing number of children unable to attend school due to financial constraints.

Critiquing the economic management team, Yusuf rebuked their approach, likening them to “tax collectors” rather than economists. He argued that taxation alone does not foster economic growth, emphasizing the importance of production.

President Tinubu’s electoral victory in 2023 was anchored on the promise of a “Renewed Hope” for Nigeria. However, Yusuf’s stark assessment underscores a growing sentiment of disillusionment with the administration’s performance. As the nation grapples with economic challenges and social disparities, the efficacy of Tinubu’s policies, including petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, remains subject to scrutiny.