Kehinde Fajobi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s first media interview, labelling it as proof of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government’s disregard for the hardships Nigerians are enduring.
In a statement released in Abuja, PDP spokesperson Hon. Debo Ologunagba voiced concerns over the administration’s lack of action to address the difficulties caused by what he described as poorly executed and harmful policies.
According to Ologunagba, “The Presidential media parley confirms the administration’s insensitivity to the current widespread hardship and suffering being faced by Nigerians resulting from the ill-implemented and anti-people policies of the APC.”
He expressed disappointment over Tinubu’s stance on the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy, which lacked any support mechanisms to mitigate its impact.
Ologunagba argued that this decision has severely affected businesses, driven up living costs, and pushed many Nigerians deeper into poverty.
He also criticised Tinubu for admitting the government’s inability to prevent smuggling of petroleum products across the nation’s borders, calling it further evidence of the APC’s inefficiency.
The PDP questioned the administration’s failure to explain how savings from the subsidy removal have been utilised.
Also, they mentioned that Nigerians are left to grapple with economic woes, including a paralysed industrial sector, the Naira’s sharp decline to ₦1,700 per US dollar, a 34.6% inflation rate, and a 40% unemployment rate.
Ologunagba highlighted recent tragic food stampedes that resulted in the deaths of approximately 80 people, describing them as a reflection of the desperate conditions under APC rule.
He also challenged Tinubu’s claims of improved road safety, pointing out ongoing banditry, kidnappings, and crumbling road networks.
The opposition party criticised the government for its lack of significant investments in key areas such as agriculture, energy, and small businesses, which it said are essential for economic revival.
Ologunagba urged Tinubu to step out of his bubble and experience the harsh realities facing ordinary citizens by traveling overland from Abuja to Lagos or interacting with Nigerians in markets and public spaces.
He argued this would give the president a clearer understanding of the nation’s struggles instead of relying on misleading statistics from officials.
He concluded by urging the government to take immediate, tangible steps to ease Nigerians’ suffering and rebuild trust with the public.