Tinubu’s Administration Has Not Restored Public Confidence – South-South Youth Initiative

The South-South Youth Initiative (SSYI) has said that despite spending about three years in office, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not restored public confidence in the state’s ability to protect lives across the country.

The group made the claim in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by its President, Comrade Oscar Imeade, who also alleged that the administration has failed to demonstrate full control over Nigeria’s territory amid persistent insecurity.

Imeade said that although the government has repeatedly claimed successes in the fight against terrorism and banditry, insecurity remains widespread, with communities still facing attacks, kidnappings and displacement.

He cited data from independent monitors which, according to him, recorded over 7,000 deaths and about 12,000 abductions between May 2023 and May 2025.

“Despite claims of killing thousands of terrorists and bandits and securing mass surrenders, insecurity remains endemic. Data from independent monitors recorded over 7,000 killed and 12,000 abducted between May 2023 and May 2025,” he said.

He added that the North-West, North-Central and parts of the South continue to experience repeated violent attacks, stressing that the situation has undermined public confidence in government security efforts.

Imeade also weighed in on the administration’s economic reforms, noting that while revenue figures may have improved on paper, concerns remain over transparency in public spending and constituency projects.

He said key policy decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market were significant but were implemented without adequate social protection measures for citizens.

“The administration’s flagship moves were the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market. While these ended long-running fiscal drains, they were implemented with minimal social protection,” he said.

The SSYI president further alleged that there is growing scepticism over how public funds are being managed, pointing to concerns about selective enforcement, political patronage and weak institutional oversight.

He added that the government’s position that “the worst is over” is yet to be reflected in the lived experiences of Nigerians, as economic hardship and insecurity persist across many parts of the country.