Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has criticized Lagos elders for failing to address the state’s pressing issues during their recent visit to President Bola Tinubu.
In a strongly worded statement, George expressed disappointment that the elders prioritized discussions about taking over King’s College instead of tackling critical concerns such as infrastructure decay, unemployment, and poverty.
He described the visit as a missed opportunity to advocate for the well-being of Lagos residents.
“It is a well-known fact that these elders are prominent Lagosians from Lagos Island, the foremost commercial centre in Nigeria. Yet, instead of highlighting the dire state of roads, markets, and other critical infrastructure, they focused on secondary issues,” George said.
He pointed out the worsening condition of municipal roads near the Oba of Lagos’ palace, including areas like Jankara Market and Idumagbo, which have been neglected for over 20 years.
He also highlighted the plight of Lagos’ youth, citing widespread unemployment and poverty, and called for immediate government intervention through job creation and skills acquisition programs.
George further criticized the President’s economic reforms, particularly the soaring fuel prices, and urged the government to prioritize the dignity and relief of Nigerians by lowering fuel costs and ensuring the benefits of locally refined products are felt.
“The elders’ visit was an opportunity to tell the President the truth about the dire situation in Lagos and the country at large. Unfortunately, nothing meaningful was discussed, leaving Lagosians disappointed,” George lamented.
He urged the government and Lagos leaders to focus on meaningful reforms to address the state’s deteriorating infrastructure and improve the lives of its citizens.
