The growing disappointment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration cannot be blamed entirely on the President. A large part of the problem lies with the poor performance and lack of accountability at the state and local government levels, especially now that they receive significantly more money from the Federation Account.
When President Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy, the immediate consequences were painful. Petrol prices increased sharply, transportation costs went up, the prices of food and other essential commodities followed, inflation increased, and the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians was badly affected. For the common man, life became more difficult almost overnight.
It is therefore understandable that many Nigerians blame the President for their suffering.
But there is another side to the story.
The President’s argument was that the subsidy was consuming huge government resources and that removing it would free up more money for the three tiers of government. In fairness to Mr President, his intention was that states and local governments would have more resources to provide roads, hospitals, schools, water, electricity, pay workers and pensioners, and improve the lives of their people.
What the Governors Actually Did
Since subsidy removal, monthly allocations to states and local governments have hit record highs. Yet, what has changed in your community? In mine, nothing. Roads remain death traps. Communities still sleep in darkness. Primary healthcare centres are empty shells. Civil servants and pensioners still go unpaid.
Instead of prudence, governors and council chairmen have chosen extravagance. Taxpayers’ money has become their personal fortune. We see frivolous projects, inflated contracts, and lavish lifestyles. We see cash transfers—not to the poor, but to political associates, family members, and relatives.
The Lesson Tinubu Ignored
Here is where I directly blame Mr. President. He should have known better. He should have studied what the late General Sani Abacha did during the oil windfall of t
