President Bola Tinubu’s recent media chat has ignited a storm of criticism from prominent opposition leaders, including 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) flagbearer, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. Their dissatisfaction stems from Tinubu’s insistence on continued borrowing for infrastructure and his unwavering stance on the removal of fuel subsidies—policies they claim exacerbate the nation’s economic woes.
Atiku, speaking through his media adviser Paul Ibe, described the administration’s approach to borrowing as “reckless” and devoid of tangible benefits for Nigerians.
“What financial discipline has this government demonstrated? The economy and security have not improved under Tinubu. This Christmas will likely be the toughest for Nigerians due to widespread hunger and economic hardship,” Atiku remarked. He challenged Tinubu to justify the borrowing, questioning where the claimed infrastructural developments are. “You can’t borrow to pay salaries; loans must target specific projects, but this government is failing to do so,” he asserted.
Senator Kwankwaso echoed similar sentiments, with the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, pointing to the 2024 budget as evidence of the administration’s disregard for Nigerians’ suffering.
“The budget reveals unnecessary expenditures like vehicle acquisitions, even as Nigerians are told to tighten their belts. This double standard is unacceptable,” Johnson said, adding that the government must demonstrate seriousness by cutting costs and aligning with the sacrifices demanded of ordinary citizens.
The Labour Party’s National Legal Adviser, Kehinde Edun, criticized Tinubu’s governance as an exercise in bravado, masking a lack of actionable solutions.
“The continued borrowing for infrastructure is condemnable. Despite years of loans under previous administrations, Nigerians see no improvement in roads, electricity, or infrastructure. The administration’s refusal to reduce its bloated cabinet is another glaring misstep,” Edun stated.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) joined the chorus of disapproval, accusing the administration of lacking financial discipline. CUPP National Publicity Secretary, Mark Adebayo, highlighted lavish government expenditures, including a controversial N200 billion allocation for a presidential jet.
“In a country facing dire economic challenges, such extravagance is indefensible. Advanced nations with stronger economies often avoid these excesses, opting for cost-saving measures instead,” Adebayo argued.
In a scathing statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, labeled the President’s media chat as evidence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s disconnect from the suffering of Nigerians.
“Tinubu’s admission that Nigerians bear the brunt of porous borders enabling fuel smuggling underscores his administration’s failure. While citizens endure economic hardship, the APC offers no explanation for the supposed savings from subsidy removal,” Ologunagba stated.
The opposition’s critique comes as Nigerians prepare for what many expect to be the toughest Christmas in recent memory. Timothy Osadolor, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, lamented the widespread hunger and frustration gripping the nation.
“Millions are struggling to afford basic necessities. The cost of food and transportation has skyrocketed, leaving many households unable to celebrate,” Osadolor noted.
NNPP’s Johnson echoed these concerns, emphasizing the rising inflation, deteriorating living standards, and the urgent need for policy revisions. Meanwhile, CUPP’s Adebayo accused Tinubu of indifference, asserting that his policies have inflicted untold misery on the populace.
