Comrade Ambali Olatunji, the National President of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), has voiced concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, stating that they are negatively impacting the masses. During the opening session of a National Youth Conference organized by the Union in Benin, Edo State, Olatunji criticized Tinubu for maintaining an over-bloated cabinet with numerous ministers and aides.
Olatunji accused the President of showing insensitivity to the plight of the people, questioning why Tinubu, who claims to understand the suffering of the people, would implement anti-people policies without considering the cost of governance. He highlighted that having 45 ministers and numerous aides places an enormous burden on the fragile economy.
Additionally, the NULGE President condemned the removal of fuel subsidies without a corresponding mitigation plan. He argued that Tinubu’s unclear economic policies are disproportionately affecting the poor and vulnerable in society.
Olatunji urged the President to reconsider his policies before leading the country further into economic turmoil. He emphasized the importance of reducing the cost of governance during challenging times.
Furthermore, Olatunji called on both federal and state governments to grant financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria. He expressed gratitude to the Edo State government for creating a conducive environment for workers in the state.
The two-day conference included training sessions to prepare workers for retirement, with the skills learned during the event expected to be beneficial post-retirement. The conference’s conclusion featured the formal commissioning of Edo State NULGE House.