Reverend Williams Aladekugbe, the Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese (Anglican Communion), has lamented the country’s unparalleled hardship, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment since President Bola Tinubu assumed office as President.
Aladekugbe, during his homily at the commendation service held for late governor Rotimi Akeredolu at All Saints Church, Jericho, Ibadan, on Tuesday, described Nigerians as frustrated, hungry, and angry.
The bishop called on all tiers of government to urgently arrest the skyrocketing prices of food items, widespread insecurities, criminality, and economic calamities.
As against the president’s campaign call on Nigerians to put their minds to rest and promise to bring down the prices of items when he assumes office, the Anglican Bishop said Nigerians have been in pain for the past nine months instead.
Aladekugbe further said it was baffling that the current federal government’s championed socioeconomic reforms had inflicted unparalleled hardship on Nigerians.
The cleric pleaded with the federal government and security outfits to get more serious to prevent further slide of the country into economic and security woes.
He said: “We sincerely appeal to all tiers of government to intervene in the skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs in our dear country. There’s no point hiding the fact that Nigerians are frustrated, hungry, and angry.
“The hardship, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment in the country are such that no one can pacify anybody. What we are now experiencing is not what the president promised Nigerians.
“The president told us to put our minds to rest that the prices of things will come down. Unfortunately, nine months into the government, everyone is in pain.
“It has been from one trouble to another since May 29, 2023. While we appreciate the fact that the federal government is championing socioeconomic reforms, we would like to say that it has inflicted unparalleled hardship on Nigerians.
“The soaring cost of food has escalated the suffering of Nigerians, and crime has greatly increased. Communities across the nation have fallen victim to criminals, resulting in the loss of ancestral lands, economic calamities, and widespread insecurity.
“We plead with the federal government and security outfits to redouble their efforts.
“We are presently going through a lot and from all indications, it is only God that can assist us. Let us use this period of Lent to draw closer to God in fasting and prayers. May the good Lord deliver us.”
