Tinubu and Bode George

Former Ondo State Military Governor and PDP stalwart, Bode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ask his banker friends to donate part of their profits to help Nigerians struggling with economic hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.

Speaking on Eagle 102.5 FM’s Frontline programme, George criticised the high cost of living and urged the president to take immediate action. He pointed out that bank executives make substantial profits and should contribute at least N5 billion each to support economic relief efforts.

“Are they really managing directors of banks or damaging Directors of Banks?” he questioned. “Look at the money they make yearly. Do they have factories? Yet they own private jets. If they have any shame, let them contribute.”

George also urged Tinubu to reduce fuel prices to N300 or N400 per litre, arguing that such a move would significantly lower food and transportation costs, bringing much-needed relief to citizens.

“If the president brings fuel prices down, you will see the joy and happiness in the people. Businesses will thrive, more people will get jobs, and economic activities will improve,” he said.

He further criticised the Supreme Court’s decision to withhold federal allocation to Rivers State due to the political rift between Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He warned that such a move would worsen the suffering of civil servants who rely on their salaries to survive.

“How will they eat if you stop federal allocations? How will they pay their children’s school fees?”  George asked. “Many of those who depend on the allocation are civil servants, not politicians. Why punish them?”

He linked the rising insecurity, including kidnappings and banditry, to economic hardship and urged the government to act swiftly.

“There is hunger in the land. People are suffering. If the government cannot bear the cost of subsidy, it should seek support from its wealthy allies, just as it happens in developed countries,” he added.

George emphasised that urgent government intervention is needed to prevent further economic decline and social unrest.