By Gyas Maxwell Joel
The Collective Movement (TCM) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the worsening insecurity, spiraling inflation, and entrenched corruption that are gradually crippling Nigeria and extinguishing the hopes of millions of its citizens.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, TCM expressed grave concern over the terrifying wave of insecurity sweeping across the nation.
“From Zamfara to Benue, Plateau to Kaduna, the story remains the same—people are being forced to flee their ancestral homes, farmers are abandoning their lands due to rampant banditry, and entire communities are being left at the mercy of bloodthirsty criminals. Killings, kidnappings, rape, and maiming have tragically become routine in many rural and urban areas.
“The government’s effort in tackling the situation seems insufficient, and apparent helplessness in the face of this carnage is unacceptable.’’
TCM noted that beyond the physical threats to life, Nigerians are battling a brutal economic crisis.
According to the group, hyperinflation has led to the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, making daily survival a miracle for the average citizen.
TCM explained that current inflation was a direct result of poor, disconnected, and anti-people economic policies implemented by the present administration.
It added that Nigerians were promised renewed hope, but instead, what the citizens received was renewed hardship.
“In what appears to be a growing trend of intolerance toward honest criticism, the Tinubu administration, rather than addressing the root causes of these national challenges, has opted to target respected individuals who speak truth to power.
“TCM is particularly appalled by the reported bullying and media attacks directed at Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), over his recent factual and data-driven remarks about Nigeria’s poverty crisis.
“Instead of using such insights as a compass to correct course, this administration has chosen defensiveness and character assassination,’’ the group said.
“We reaffirm that facts, not personalities, must remain the focus of national discourse. Dr. Adesina is a globally respected figure of integrity and performance, whose love for Nigeria cannot be questioned. His remarks should serve as feedback for a serious government, not a trigger for petty politics or media hostility.”
TCM also raised an alarm over the growing spread of corruption, from the abuse of power by state governors who allegedly continued to undermine local government autonomy, to disturbing allegations of judicial corruption, including the recent suspension of judges for compromising verdicts.
The group further expressed sadness that impunity had continued to thrive while public trust in democratic institutions eroded.
TCM, however, encouraged Nigerians not to be discouraged in the pursuit of better leadership in the future.
“The destiny of this country lies in the hands of its people. We must remain resolute, courageous, and united in our quest for change. We must rise above tribal, religious, and political divisions to form a formidable coalition, an opposition strong enough to challenge and unseat the present government.’’
