By Ken Afor
Mr. Daniel Bwala, a former media aide for Atiku Abubakar in the February 2023 presidential election, has called on loyalists, particularly political appointees of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to come out and speak for the president during these trying times in the country.
Mr. Bwala, who made the call on Tuesday via his X handle, also extended the invitation to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and those who believe in the president’s Renewed Hope agenda to come out and appeal to Nigerians to be patient amid the economic hardship in the country.
Bwala, who recently disassociated himself from Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, urged Tinubu’s loyalists to stop dodging their responsibility of speaking because of the backlash they will face but to demonstrate the true character of a loyalist, which entails sacrifice and commitment.
He wrote: “If you are a supporter of @officialABAT, or you are his appointee in whatever capacity, or you are a member of his party @OfficialAPCNg or you are a believer of his vision, or a lover of Nigeria, this is the time to come out and speak for him in appealing to Nigerians to be patient in these hard times of reform agenda. There are enough facts and figures to support his efforts.
“Stop the ducking and dodging because of possible backlash, insults, and criticisms. True loyalty is defined by sacrifices and commitment. No glory without story; no gain without pain. We are all patriotic citizens in this effort together.”
Weighing in on the continued fall of the Naira against the US Dollar, Bwala said that there are no funds to defend the naira and maintain subsidies simultaneously.
Regarding the advisory from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its recent report on Post Financing Assessment (PFA) on Nigeria, Bwala noted that a portion of the IMF report encouraged the government to strictly adhere to its implementation, suitable for local circumstances.
He called on citizens to identify government agencies where corruption and mismanagement of funds occur, assuring that actions will be taken against such agencies or individuals.
While the current hardship is not unique to Nigeria alone, Bwala assured that the country would bounce back.
He added, “The truth is there is no money to defend the naira and subsidy at the same time. There is an economic angle to IMF policy that advocates for “strong country ownership” meaning tele-guide the implementation to suit your local circumstances and not to be bullied by IMF; which explains why part subsidy is returned.
“Citizens are encouraged to call out any area of corruption and mismanagement in governance affairs, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready to take action against any person found culpable.
“Companies and Organizations benefiting from tax breaks are called upon to contribute monies, food, and healthcare needs at these difficult times to the vulnerable of the society because the times are really hard.
“There is enough evidence about countries that had a somewhat downward trend because of these types of reforms and bounced back. We shall bounce back people; stay hopeful.”
