The Joint Action for Good Governance (JAGG) has frowned at an alleged unsavoury comment attributed to Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in response to Nigerian citizens expressing their concerns about the challenges they face under President Tinubu’s administration.
The group in a statement jointly signed by its Vice President Abdwaheed Odunuga and the General Secretary Adekunle Aderibigbe expressed detest for NOA’s obvious downplay of the legitimate grievances of the populace, particularly in light of reported lavish government expenditures on living costs and SUVs.
“The stark contrast between these allocations and the call for citizens to endure hardships without a clear timeline for relief has sparked discontent among the masses.
“Rather than fulfilling its intended role of creating awareness and fostering national development, the NOA, appears to have misplaced its priorities.
“The agency is accused of undermining the resilience of the citizens who, due to the harsh policies of the current administration, have incurred significant debts to maintain their livelihoods.
The group raised concern about the NOA boss attempt to trivialize public outburst in the face of harsh economic realities.
“We at JAGG emphasizes the need for empathy in leadership, the NOA DG seems to have lost touch with the harsh realities faced by Nigerians. It is disturbing to know that citizens, burdened by economic difficulties, is expected to remain silent and not voice their concerns.
“NOA need to consider the adverse effects of the economic situation on the populace, including the loss of lives due to limited access to basic healthcare, exorbitant costs of medication, high expenses for essential needs such as food, and the closure of businesses.”
The statement urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider halting the remuneration of the NOA DG until the economic conditions improve, aligning the director’s standard of living with that of the average Nigerian.
JAGG also calls for a reassessment of the NOA’s approach, while urging the agency to focus on promoting peace, providing constructive feedback, and acknowledging the sacrifices made by the Nigerian masses in the face of challenging circumstances.