THE JOINT Action Front (JAF), a pro-masses organization, has described the first two years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as a “monumental disaster,” citing worsening economic hardship, attacks on democratic rights, and anti-poor policies.
In a press statement released on Thursday to mark Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, JAF accused the government of implementing harsh neoliberal measures that have exacerbated poverty and insecurity across Nigeria.
The statement, signed by Comrade Abiodun Aremu, JAF Secretary, emphasized the need for a “just political and economic order” to address Nigeria’s challenges.
JAF highlighted key policies such as the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, steep devaluation of the naira, hikes in electricity tariffs, and increased school fees as part of Tinubu’s alignment with World Bank and IMF directives.
According to the group, these measures have led to a severe cost-of-living crisis, leaving millions of Nigerians impoverished and hungry.
The statement also condemned the government’s alleged suppression of dissent, citing the incarceration of activists involved in protests against economic hardship.
JAF specifically demanded the immediate release of individuals like Michael Adaramoye and Daniel Akande, who are facing treason charges for participating in the August 2024 #EndBadgovernance protests.
Calling for mass resistance, JAF urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to intensify efforts in defending workers’ rights.
The group criticized the opposition candidates in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, for advocating similar policies, and instead called for the formation of a working-class party to champion systemic change.
JAF’s proposed alternative is a socialist system that prioritizes equitable wealth distribution and an end to capitalist policies like privatization and deregulation.
As Tinubu’s administration marks two years in office, JAF’s critique reflects growing discontent among civil society groups over the government’s economic and human rights record.
The call for systemic change underscores deepening divisions over Nigeria’s future direction.
