The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent media chat, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of insensitivity and a disconnection from the plight of Nigerians.
During the televised session on Monday, President Tinubu defended his administration’s fiscal policies, citing efforts to curb waste, allocate additional funds for development projects, and utilize borrowing to improve infrastructure. However, the PDP has expressed skepticism over these claims, arguing that the government has failed to account for savings from the removal of fuel subsidies while Nigerians endure worsening economic conditions.
In a strongly-worded statement issued Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, criticized Tinubu’s remark that he has “no regrets” about the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies. The party alleged that this decision, implemented without adequate cushioning measures, has exacerbated poverty and hardship across the country.
“The sudden removal of fuel subsidies without provisions to mitigate its crippling impact on the productive sector, cost of living, and general welfare confirms the APC’s insensitivity and disconnection from the primary purpose of governance—the welfare and security of citizens,” Ologunagba said.
The PDP highlighted rising inflation, a depreciating Naira (currently at N1,700 to the US Dollar), and skyrocketing unemployment rates as evidence of worsening economic conditions under the APC’s administration. It also called attention to recent food stampedes in parts of the country, which resulted in the deaths of over 80 Nigerians, as a grim indicator of the nation’s perilous state.
The opposition party further criticized Tinubu’s assertion that Nigeria’s economy has improved, describing it as a misrepresentation of reality. “The productive sector remains comatose, inflation stands at 34.6%, and unemployment rates hover around 40%,” the statement noted, accusing the APC-led government of neglecting critical sectors such as agriculture, electricity, and small-scale enterprises.
Addressing security issues, the PDP dismissed Tinubu’s claim that Nigerians can now travel safely by road, citing persistent incidents of banditry, armed robbery, and deteriorating road conditions. It challenged the President to personally travel by road from Abuja to Lagos or visit local markets to better understand the country’s realities.
The PDP concluded its statement by urging the APC to shift focus towards meaningful investments that can revitalize the economy and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
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