In an exclusive chat with The SUN, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, activist and president of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), shared his insights on several national issues, including state police challenges, the EFCC's battle with Yahaya Bello, off-cycle elections, the verdict on President Bola Tinubu, and the prevailing hardship in the country.
When asked about the stark reality of the hardship experienced by Nigerians today, contrary to their expectations before President Tinubu assumed power, Shettima offered a nuanced perspective. He acknowledged that progress often requires enduring challenging times and learning from mistakes. He emphasized that President Tinubu inherited a challenging legacy from the Buhari administration, which had significantly impacted the country's socio-economic landscape.
Shettima highlighted that Buhari's eight years in office had left the nation in a precarious state, necessitating considerable efforts to address the accumulated problems. He cautioned against expecting immediate solutions, noting that even the most effective reforms require time to yield results. Despite reservations held by many, Shettima expressed optimism about President Tinubu's potential to initiate positive changes, citing his understanding of the issues and proactive measures taken thus far.
In his words: "Tinubu inherited all of the problems, the reason things are difficult because you still need time to clear the mess. The earlier we understand this, the better because even the best of reforms do not start producing result immediately. We have to accept the reality and should not expect immediate magic. The reality today also is that we want President Tinubu to perform magic, but ask yourself whether it is possible."
He underscored the importance of restructuring the cabinet to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in governance, emphasizing the need for continuous observation and assessment of the administration's performance. Shettima concluded by urging patience and realistic expectations, emphasizing the complexity of governance and the necessity of allowing time for reforms to take effect.