Falana Slams Tinubu’s Economic Policies: “Only the Rich Are Smiling”
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, accusing the administration of deepening hardship for ordinary Nigerians while enriching the elite.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Monday, Falana said the disconnect between the federal government’s rhetoric and the daily suffering of citizens is stark—and growing.
“For members of the government—and I’m talking of top officials—it’s been very rosy,” Falana remarked. “One of them was even singing last week that things are getting better. Of course, for the rich, things are getting better. But for the masses, it’s an excruciating economic crisis.”
He criticised Tinubu’s repeated calls for patience from citizens, arguing that sympathy alone cannot replace sound, locally tailored policy.
“Yes, the President has appealed for patience, claiming the reforms will bring prosperity. But the reality is hunger, despair, and rising dropout rates in schools due to rigid, IMF-driven economic models.”
💸 Devaluation Disaster
Falana particularly condemned the naira devaluation policy, saying it has worsened inflation in a country dependent on imports.
“If you devalue the currency of an import-dependent country, you automatically trigger a spike in the cost of goods. That’s exactly what has happened.”
He called on the government to abandon the prescriptions of international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, and instead prioritize homegrown solutions that center the Nigerian people.
“The government must trust Nigerians to solve Nigerian problems. These external models only create suffering. They are not fit for our realities.”
📊 Citizens Must Demand Accountability
Beyond criticism, Falana urged Nigerians to become active watchdogs of the budget process, saying real change won’t come without public engagement.
“Citizens must start monitoring government budgets—federal and state. Know the projects, track them, and hold officials accountable. That’s the only way to end the cycle of deception and waste.”
