Farounbi, Ajimobi’s ex-CoS, cleric, don set agenda for Tinubu

Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi; former Chief of Staff (CoS) to the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Prof. Gbade Ojo and a don, Dr. Stephen Lafenwa, yesterday, urged the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, to address security challenges, pay withheld salaries of university teachers and provide jobs for youths.

Also, the Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Ayodeji Fagbemi, has urged the president-elect to create policies that will alleviate years of agony Nigerians have been subjected to.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of last Saturday’s poll, which is trail by allegations of violence, electoral malpractice and violation of extant laws.

Farounbi, Ojo and Lafenwa called on Tinubu to tackle the prevailing crises besetting the country.

Farounbi said: “The priority should be security. Our security has not improved. Yes, there appears to be suspension of insecurity activities that usually happens during elections; perhaps those who are behind insecurity are busy campaigning. After this, it may extend again particularly if they are not happy. We want to have a complete end to banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and others.

“The second problem he has to tackle is economic, because a lot of our youths are leaving the country in the name of japa. The best of our brains are leaving the country. He must provide job opportunities for the youths.”

Lafenwa, a public affairs analyst, said: “The first thing is to solve the problems we are faced with, which are fuel scarcity, cash crunch and others. Whatever the ruling of the Supreme Court on this cashless policy should be adhered to.”

Prof. Ojo of the Political Science Department, University of Ilorin, urged him to repair the damage done by the present government. “He must work towards the stabilisation of fuel supply across the country. He must think of how to placate the youths.”

The bishop also said programmes and policies that revolve around education, security and the basic needs of the people should be given the highest priority, particularly given that Nigerians crave a new beginning.

Fagbemi stated this during the 40th anniversary of the diocese, yesterday, at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Imola, Owo Local Council of Ondo State.

While stressing that Nigerians were looking up to Tinubu not to fail the country, the bishop said: “We pray that the president-elect will be able to give hope to Nigerians.”