By Seyi Babalola
PDP Southwest Ex-Officio, Prince Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s economic vulnerability amid growing global tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the situation highlights deeper governance challenges in the country.
In a press statement released on Monday, Ewenla said recent developments around the potential disruption of the Strait of Hormuz have sparked concerns about petroleum supply and raised critical questions among Nigerians.
He noted that many citizens have questioned why external geopolitical developments should affect Nigeria, particularly as the Dangote Refinery is now refining petroleum using locally sourced crude oil.
According to him, while the Dangote Refinery represents a significant industrial milestone, it still operates within a globally interconnected oil market.
“The reality is clear and must be stated without ambiguity. The Dangote Refinery, despite being a historic and commendable achievement, still operates within a globally interconnected oil market. Crude oil pricing, logistics, insurance costs, and foreign exchange fluctuations remain tied to international dynamics,” he stated.
Ewenla explained that any disruption in global oil supply chains, including developments in the Strait of Hormuz, would inevitably impact Nigeria.
Beyond the economic implications, he expressed concern over what he described as the current state of governance in the country, arguing that Nigerians continue to face severe hardship.
He said the present administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has struggled to manage the nation’s economic and social challenges effectively.
According to Ewenla, Nigerians are confronted daily with a worsening economic crisis driven by policy decisions, rising costs of food and necessities, unemployment, and limited economic opportunities.
He also cited concerns over infrastructure development, which he described as inadequate, as well as persistent insecurity across the country.
Ewenla further alleged that the government appears increasingly focused on political considerations and early preparations for the 2027 general elections rather than addressing urgent national issues.
Reflecting on past political developments, he questioned the silence of groups and individuals who were vocal during previous administrations.
“It is important to remind Nigerians of recent history,” he said, noting that labour unions, civil society organisations, entertainers, journalists, religious leaders, and legal practitioners were previously active in protests and public advocacy.
“Today, one must ask: where are those same voices now? Where are those who once took to the streets? Where are those who spoke loudly against government policies?” he queried.
Ewenla said there is a growing perception among Nigerians that past protests may have been influenced by political interests rather than purely driven by patriotism.
He further alleged that President Tinubu, as an opposition figure at the time, played a role in encouraging such movements for political advantage, adding that the current silence of previously active voices raises questions about credibility and accountability.
On the way forward, the PDP chieftain stressed that Nigeria must avoid a cycle where activism is used as a political tool and abandoned after power is attained.
He called on the current administration to demonstrate effective economic management, address the rising cost of living, prioritise national security, and deliver visible infrastructure.
He also urged the government to focus on governance rather than what he described as premature political campaigns.
“The challenges facing Nigeria today require more than rhetoric; they demand competence, sincerity, and accountability,” Ewenla stated.
While acknowledging the significance of the Dangote Refinery, he maintained that industrial achievements cannot replace the need for effective governance.
“Nigerians deserve leadership that works for them at all times, not only when it is politically convenient,” he added.
Ewenla also expressed his political position ahead of the 2027 elections, stating that President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress should not return to power.
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