President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s media chat on Monday has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other political stakeholders.
The criticisms center on Tinubu’s announcement of plans to continue borrowing to fund infrastructure projects and his reaffirmation of the decision to remove fuel subsidies, despite the economic hardship Nigerians are enduring.
Speaking through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku Abubakar accused the Tinubu-led administration of reckless borrowing and failing to demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
“Which financial discipline have you seen? Nothing has changed since he became President. The economy and security are not better. They are being reckless with the nation’s resources,” Atiku said.
He lamented the worsening economic conditions, describing this Christmas as one of the hardest for Nigerians due to rising poverty and hunger. “You can’t borrow to pay salaries but for specific purposes and targeted projects. Tinubu has failed to demonstrate that over time,” he added.
Kwankwaso, through NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, described the government’s budget and policies as disconnected from the realities of ordinary Nigerians.
“This administration has failed to acknowledge the pains and sufferings of Nigerians. You cannot keep telling Nigerians to tighten their belts while you are not tightening yours. The government must show seriousness in cutting costs,” he said.
The Labour Party and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) also criticized Tinubu’s borrowing plans and his administration’s economic policies.
Labour Party’s National Legal Adviser, Kehinde Edun, condemned the decision to continue borrowing as misguided. He criticized the President’s refusal to reduce the size of his cabinet, describing it as unsustainable.
Mark Adebayo, National Publicity Secretary of CUPP, accused the government of lacking financial discipline. “The President’s extravagant spending on a presidential jet and convoy vehicles is a glaring example of misplaced priorities,” Adebayo said.
The PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, expressed disappointment with Tinubu’s refusal to account for the savings from subsidy removal.
“The declaration by President Tinubu that he has no regrets for the sudden removal of fuel subsidy without cushioning measures confirms the administration’s disconnection from the welfare of Nigerians,” Ologunagba stated.
He further criticized the administration’s failure to secure the nation’s borders, which has allowed the smuggling of petroleum products, undermining the subsidy removal’s intended benefits.
Opposition parties, including the PDP and NNPP, lamented the severe economic hardship Nigerians are facing, noting that this Christmas would be particularly challenging.
“There is widespread hunger and frustration across the country, compounded by growing insecurity. Nigerians are enduring severe hardship, while the administration seems solely concerned with enriching itself,” PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor said.
Ladipo Johnson of the NNPP called on the administration to reassess its policies to address inflation, currency depreciation, and the cost-of-living crisis.
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CUPP’s Mark Adebayo accused Tinubu of indifference to the plight of Nigerians. “The President isn’t addressing the economic challenges faced by citizens, whether rising costs of food and transportation or declining standards of living,” Adebayo stated.
As Nigerians brace for a difficult festive season, opposition leaders have urged the Tinubu administration to adopt policies that prioritize the welfare of citizens, implement fiscal discipline, and tackle the nation’s economic challenges with empathy and accountability.
