YCE decries increasing insecurity in Nigeria, laments shutting down of firms

• Charges Tinubu to tame menace • Urges President to address erratic power supply, create jobs

The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), yesterday, decried increasing insecurity in the country, wondering if the kidnappers, arsonists and marauders who terrorise Nigeria are more powerful than the Nigerian Army and the nation as a whole.

The elders also urged President Bola Tinubu to address epileptic power supply, create more jobs and focus on rural roads. Secretary-General of YCE, Dipo Oyewole, who raised the concerns in a statement made available to The Guardian in Ibadan, said: ”It suffices to say that Nigeria needs peace and harmony to thrive. The question we ask is that are kidnappers, arsonists and marauders more powerful than the country or the Nigerian Army? The President is required to do something drastic.

“Up till now, Nigerians do not enjoy regular supply of electricity. That condition has been putting lots of strain and stress on the populace all over the country. As a matter of fact, it negates the potential of every citizen both old and young. We are unhappy with that situation, which we consider to be totally abnormal in Nigeria under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

”Sadly too, industrial concerns hitherto established in Nigeria are shutting down/closing down and fleeing Nigeria in droves! From November to December of 2023, we are told that no fewer than 45 of those established and functional businesses were reported to have packed out of Nigeria principally due to lack of electricity supply which eats too deep into their capital and profits. The overall effect on the economy is obvious.”