FG, opposition clash over Tinubu’s economic reforms

The Federal Government and opposition parties clashed yesterday following the criticism of the economic policies of the Bola Tinubu administration by the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

The Peoples Democratic Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party agreed with the governor that Nigerians are being crushed under the weight of Tinubu’s economic reforms but the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, argued that the reforms had made more resources available to states.

Idris further assured that ‘’Nigerians will feel the benefits in 2025.’’

Responding to questions from one of our correspondents, the minister stated, “2025 is a year that President Tinubu’s reforms will be consolidated for the benefit of all Nigerians

“Mr President has embarked on an ambitious reform agenda that is already freeing more resources to the subnationals, not just the Federal Government.”

Idris argued that Governor Oborevwori’s comments are a smokescreen to avoid accounting for the increased allocation Delta, an oil-producing state, has enjoyed under Tinubu.

“The Delta governor’s comments about the economic policies of the Tinubu administration are an attempt to distract from the challenge thrown to him to account for the resources of Delta State which have increased vastly in the last 18 months.

“A governor who has received close to a trillion naira since coming to office should focus on accounting for it, not casting aspersions on a Federal Government that is doing everything to empower the states,” the minister counselled.

Oborevwori had accused the Federal Government of unleashing unprecedented hunger, poverty and mass unemployment on Nigerians, turning Nigeria into the world’s poverty capital.

The governor said the probable gains of Tinubu’s policies on petroleum subsidy removal and floating of the naira had been eclipsed by naira devaluation and soaring inflation.

In a statement by his Executive Assistant on New Media, Mr Felix Ofou, the Delta governor said it was time Tinubu embraced policies that would stem poverty and suffering.

His comments came on the backdrop of an assertion by the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, that the President’s economic policies “increased federal allocation to state and local governments, rising economic growth rates, declining imports, higher exports and higher incomes for farmers.”

However, Oborevwori faulted Omo-Agege’s claim saying, “the value of the increased funds amidst galloping inflation, naira devaluation, and widespread poverty.”

Upon assuming office 18 months ago, President Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates.

Though touted as necessary reforms, these moves have triggered seismic economic disruptions, infusing immense pressure into daily Nigerian life.

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