CHEI-IST says Tinubu’s Reforms Require Time, canvasses support for policies

Oru Leonard 

The Continuous Human Empowerment Initiative, Inclusive Support for Tinubu (CHEI-IST), a non-governmental organization (NGO), has urged Nigerians to be patient with the policies of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that some reforms instituted by his administration require time before their full impact can be assessed.

Dr. Agu Goodluck Michael, a medical doctor and National Coordinator of the group, made this call on Wednesday during an interactive session with the members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) at its national headquarters, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

Dr. Michael, admitting that the country was going through a difficult period, maintained that the Tinubu administration had embarked on measures which, in his view, could produce positive results if sustained.

Using a medical analogy, the physician compared Nigeria’s economic situation to that of a patient suffering from multiple fractures.

According to him, such a patient cannot be expected to recover immediately after arriving at a hospital, as doctors must first conduct an examination, establish the extent of the injuries, and determine the appropriate treatment.

“The mistake we would make is for a man with multiple fractures to believe that immediately he gets to the emergency, he will be well,” he said.

The physician argued that economic reforms should similarly be assessed over time, rather than solely on the immediate difficulties experienced by citizens.

He said his organisation, which he described as a non-political empowerment initiative, was involved in civic engagement because of the connection between political leadership, economic conditions and its programmes in healthcare, agriculture, youth development and skills acquisition.

He said the organisation has been involved in medical outreaches and empowerment programmes across the country and believed that creating an environment where citizens could access opportunities was essential to national development.

He also called for greater investment in existing primary healthcare facilities rather than concentrating solely on constructing new centres. According to him, many primary healthcare centres require equipment, personnel, training and effective management to become functional.

“We must call a spade a spade. We must take responsibility,” he said, stressing that healthcare facilities should be adequately equipped and staffed to provide effective services to Nigerians.

The medical doctor also dwelt on the migration of Nigerian doctors and other professionals abroad, a trend commonly referred to as the “Japa” phenomenon.

He argued that improving working conditions, providing modern equipment and creating financing opportunities for medical professionals could encourage more Nigerians abroad to return home.

He suggested that government-backed funding mechanisms could help doctors establish private medical facilities and create better opportunities for professionals who want to practice in Nigeria.

On local government administration, he expressed support for greater autonomy for local governments, arguing that councils were closest to the grassroots and should have sufficient authority and resources to address local challenges. He said effective grassroots governance could contribute to broader development at the state and national levels.

The CHEI-IST coordinator also highlighted what he described as improvements in infrastructure, workers’ salaries and security under the Tinubu administration.

He said the organisation’s empowerment strategy was focused on giving people sustainable means of livelihood rather than relying primarily on temporary assistance or political handouts.

He said CHEI-IST would continue to engage communities through empowerment, education and civic participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

He urged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process, protect their votes and make their political choices based on their assessment of the candidates and their policies. He maintained that Nigeria remained a country with significant potential and called for collective efforts to address its challenges.

He expressed optimism that with sustained reforms, improved governance and greater citizen participation, Nigeria could gradually overcome its current challenges and become a more prosperous country.