CSOs urge Tinubu and Governors to reduce convoys, travel expenses to save funds for social provision
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A coalition of civil societies (CSOs) has argued that reduction in the convoy of Ministers is not enough to reduce the cost of governance being sought by Nigerians and urged Bola Tinubu to as well slash his own travel entourage to serve as an example as President.
The Osun Masterminds (TOM) also demanded all Governors reduce travel expenses to cut the cost of governance across the board and help citizens through the current national hardship.
A statement issued by TOM Executive Director Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, a professor, insisted Tinubu’s directive to Ministers reduce their convoys to three vehicles is not enough to effectively reduce the cost of governance without also reducing travel expenses.
“We appeal to every public office holder to be more empathic with the people by cutting off unnecessary expenses often characterised by needless and avoidable travels particularly in the offices of the President, Vice President and the Governors of the states,” Oyedokun-Alli said:
“Cutting down on the numbers of official vehicles isn’t the only way by which cost of governance can be brought down. The political class can’t be feeding fat at the expense of the hunger of the people.”
TOM also urged Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke to mitigate the current hardship by using increased federal allocation to enhance the quality of life of the masses.
“It is deeply disturbing that while the federal government is not doing much to alleviate the suffering of the people, the state governments which are now earning increased federal allocations, are also not doing anything to make life easier for their people.
“In Osun here, instead of pursuing accelerated human development policies, we are busy constructing flyovers, and arguing over inanities.
“The people of Nigeria and Osun deserve to have a better life than the current hardship that they are battling with. Our people deserve to be happy and live in a society where their dreams and aspirations are allowed to thrive.
“We are again calling on the federal government and the Osun State government more importantly, to as a matter of urgency, intensify efforts to free the masses from the shackles of poverty. We must work quickly on eradicating hunger and creating opportunities for our people to make legitimate living.”
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