Northern Elders Forum Member Criticizes Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” Labels it “Hopelessness”
Prof. Usman Yusuf, a member of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” asserting that it has transformed into a state of hopelessness.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Yusuf expressed dismay over what he perceives as a lack of tangible progress under the Tinubu-led federal government. He lamented that rather than instilling hope among Nigerians, the government’s policies have exacerbated feelings of despair, particularly over the past year.
Yusuf highlighted the distribution of palliatives as emblematic of the government’s failure to address the root causes of poverty and hardship. He criticized the administration for allegedly deceiving the populace and failing to deliver on its promises, leading to widespread disillusionment.
Furthermore, Yusuf criticized the economic management team under Tinubu, characterizing them as “tax collectors” rather than competent economists. He argued that taxation alone cannot stimulate economic growth, emphasizing the importance of production in driving prosperity.
The NEF member’s remarks underscore a growing sentiment of discontentment with the Tinubu administration’s performance, particularly in addressing socio-economic challenges and fulfilling electoral promises. Despite Tinubu’s campaign pledge of “Renewed Hope,” critics like Yusuf argue that little progress has been made in improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians since the administration assumed office in May 2023.
