By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a recent press release, the Joint Action for Good Governance (JAGG) strongly criticizes the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for perceived derogatory comments towards Nigerian citizens expressing concerns about challenges under President Tinubu’s administration.
The Joint Action for Good Governance (JAGG) has expressed its profound disapproval of the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for what they term as insulting remarks directed towards Nigerian citizens expressing concerns about the challenges they face under President Tinubu’s administration.
The condemnation was outlined in a press release issued on Tuesday by Abdwaheed Odunuga, Vice President, and Adekunle Aderibigbe, General Secretary of Joint Action for Good Governance.
The statement read in part:
“The condemnation arises from the perception that the NOA has seemingly downplayed 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, according to JAGG, 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 Joint Action for Good Governance emphasizes the need for empathy in leadership, asserting that the NOA DG seems to have lost touch with the harsh realities faced by Nigerians. The statement questions the expectation that citizens, burdened by economic difficulties, should remain silent and not voice their concerns.
JAGG highlights 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.
The Joint Action for Good Governance calls for a reassessment of the NOA’s approach, 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.