Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the prevailing economic hardship in Nigeria.

Speaking exclusively to TheCable, Adams expressed deep concern about the challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly the drastic increase in the prices of essential commodities.

Adams highlighted the sharp increase in the price of rice, using it as an example of the economic strain facing citizens. He pointed out that a bag of rice, which cost less than N50,000 in May 2023, now sells for N85,000.

He called for a reevaluation of multi-taxation, emphasizing its role in contributing to inflation and economic difficulties and urged the government to consider the impact of taxation policies on the overall economic landscape.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo expressed concern about the government’s decision to increase fuel prices, citing the current cost of about N700 per litre. He argued that such hikes contribute to the economic burden faced by Nigerians.

Adams warned of potential unrest if the government continues to impose hardship without addressing citizens’ concerns.

His words: “I will advise that the government should look into the issue of multi-taxation. It always creates problems and inflation. Also, the federal government still has the chance to reconsider the issue of fuel price hike.

“Today, we are buying fuel for about N700 per litre, and you are saying you don’t want people to protest. Definitely, you can’t continue to impose hardship on the people, and you have the mindset that people will be quiet about it.

“How many security personnel will you use to curtail the people when the crisis comes? So, the federal government needs to take urgent drastic action on the state of the nation so that we don’t box ourselves into a corner.”