Fayemi Criticizes Tinubu Over Hunger and Road Neglect in Ekiti

In a rare and bold criticism, former Ekiti State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has held President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration responsible for worsening economic hardship and deteriorating infrastructure across Nigeria, particularly in Ekiti State. Fayemi’s comments have sparked significant public discourse, as they come from a one-time ally and cabinet member under the APC-led federal government.

In a video circulating widely on social media, Fayemi lamented the state of the nation’s economy, the increasing level of hunger, lack of money in circulation, and the abandonment of federal roads in his home state. Although the exact date of the recording remains unclear, its content has already ignited reactions from Nigerians who share similar sentiments.

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 “Hunger, Hardship, and Abandoned Roads: Fayemi Holds Tinubu Accountable”

“Except we are deceiving ourselves, Nigerians are not happy with the Tinubu-led government due to widespread hunger and lack of money,” Fayemi stated candidly. The former Minister of Solid Minerals stressed that it was no longer sustainable to ignore the economic realities faced by citizens across the country.

Fayemi’s criticism cuts deep into the current administration’s economic performance, particularly its inability to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and the persistent depreciation of the naira. According to Fayemi, the growing hunger and frustration reflect a disconnect between government policies and the daily struggles of the average Nigerian.

Beyond economic grievances, Fayemi specifically drew attention to the deplorable condition of federal roads in Ekiti State. He described major federal routes—such as those passing through Efon, Omuo, Ilasa, Aiyedun, and Oye—as nearly impassable and dangerous. His remarks spotlight the long-standing infrastructure neglect by successive governments and the current administration’s slow response to critical developmental needs in states like Ekiti.

“Look at the roads, especially federal roads. If you’re passing through Efon, you know what your eyes will see,” Fayemi remarked. “If you are passing through Omuwo to Ilasa, coming to Aiyedun down to Oye, you know what your eyes will see.”

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Fayemi further revealed that his successor, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, had to allocate nearly N20 billion from the state’s coffers to rehabilitate dilapidated federal roads, with no refund from the federal government. This, he noted, places undue financial pressure on state resources and undermines the responsibilities assigned to the federal government under Nigeria’s constitutional framework.

The ex-governor’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among political insiders and citizens alike, who believe that states are being overburdened with federal responsibilities without adequate support. It also points to a growing fissure within the ruling APC, as once-loyal figures like Fayemi now openly criticize the very leadership they helped bring into power.

A Nation at a Crossroads

Fayemi’s frank assessment is a notable departure from the usual party-line defense often employed by APC leaders. His concerns echo broader public frustration over the economic downturn, which has seen inflation soar, food prices double, and purchasing power erode significantly since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

Political analysts suggest that Fayemi’s statements may indicate a shift in political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections. By distancing himself from the current administration’s failings, Fayemi may be positioning himself as a credible alternative within or beyond the APC fold.

Despite his criticism, there has been no immediate response from President Tinubu or his media team regarding Fayemi’s comments. The silence, however, is unlikely to dampen the momentum of public discourse now growing around governance failures and accountability at the federal level.

Demand for Urgent Action

Fayemi’s message is clear: governance must be rooted in truth and empathy. His call for federal intervention in Ekiti’s infrastructure and acknowledgment of nationwide hunger is a wake-up call for the Tinubu administration to urgently address citizens’ needs before discontent escalates further.

For many Nigerians, the former governor’s words validate their daily experiences. As economic pressure mounts and roads crumble, public patience continues to wear thin, putting increased scrutiny on a government already battling inflation, insecurity, and political discontent.