Senator Bala Mohammed, the Bauchi State Governor, has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to review its current monetary and fiscal policies, stating that they are not working effectively.

The governor made this call at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update in Abuja on Thursday.

Mohammed who is also the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governors Forum, urged the government to avoid being dogmatic in its approach, emphasizing the urgent need for change due to the growing hardship in the country.

He highlighted the plight of ordinary Nigerians, warning that hunger and economic hardship have created a volatile situation. He revealed that even people in his position are facing the threat of being lynched by frustrated citizens.

Mohammed also called on the federal government to develop more effective economic policies, stressing that the funds currently being received are insufficient to address the widespread hunger.

“When the reforms started, the sub-nationals supported the President. But now, the macroeconomic policies causing inflation need to be reconsidered. There is hunger, people are suffering, and Nigerians are not benefitting from these reforms.

“What are you doing to reduce hunger? We must help the people cope.

“The purchasing power of the people has drastically diminished.

“My brother Cardoso (CBN governor), these policies are not working. They need to be reviewed. Let’s not resort to blackmail,” the governor said.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa State in response to Tuesday night inferno in Majia town, which claimed over 100 lives.

The delegation will have the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; and Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday said other members of the delegation are Corps Marshall of the Federal Roads Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.

While in Jigawa State, the delegation will visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and visit injured persons in the hospital.

President Tinubu further directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the 50 victims receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.

Onanuga said- “The President, with a heavy heart, joined the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.

“He expressed his heartfelt prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa during this time of tragic loss and grief.

“He prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved families and the peaceful repose for the souls of the departed.

“President Tinubu reassured the nation that the Federal Government, in collaboration with states, is committed to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country.

“He restated his directive to the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms.

“He said those found responsible for breaches of safety standards will be held accountable, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur”

A journalist and human rights activist, Mr. Oshibanjo Oluwatosin, has been abducted by gunmen in Ogun State. Oluwatosin is CEO of TMC News.

A report by SaharaReporters has it that the assailants stormed the journalist’s residence in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday.”

A source told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that his phone had been switched off. Efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful.

“A formal complaint has been filed with the Police Area Commander and Igbeba Police Station, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

“Please contact the nearest police station or call 08078608667 with any information,” the source said.

When SaharaReporters contacted the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Odutola Omolola, she said, “Preliminary investigation has commenced,” the report stated.