Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has faulted former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo over his gloomy assessment of Nigeria’s economy and democracy.
Barau stated the Tinubu administration is addressing longstanding challenges, however authorities should enhance communication of its efforts.
He spoke in Yola at a lecture titled “Democracy and Development: Rethinking the Leadership Question” to mark Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s 59th birthday.
Osinbajo, citing Afrobarometer surveys, had lamented that whereas 64% of Africans favor democracy, solely 38% are glad with the way it works, with 59% ranking economies as dangerous and 51% saying they worsened.
He warned of hardship, unemployment, poor healthcare and low youth voter turnout weakening religion in democracy.
Barau described the lecture as thought-provoking however stated the gloomy image was partly resulting from poor communication between leaders and residents.
“There is no proper communication,” Barau stated, praising Osinbajo as an excellent orator and mental.
He stated each federal and state governments are performing, citing training by way of NELFUND which now permits indigent college students to entry education.
On infrastructure, he listed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Badagry-Sokoto Highway and initiatives in North-East and North-West as proof of efforts to drive prosperity.
He argued cost-of-living pressures have world roots, together with Russia-Ukraine conflict and Middle East tensions disrupting provide chains and power costs by way of routes like Strait of Hormuz.
“Nigeria is not an island,” Barau stated, urging leaders to higher talk insurance policies so residents perceive challenges and progress being made.
