A prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State, Joseph Odok, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for worsening the economic challenges in Nigeria.
In a statement, Odok argued that the policies of the current federal government have only deepened the financial difficulties of Nigerians, rather than alleviating them. He pointed out that these measures have compounded the suffering of the populace, with no visible improvements in the nation’s economic situation.
According to Odok, instead of celebrating these policies, Nigerians should be demanding greater accountability and effective solutions to address the country’s economic issues. He emphasized that the widespread hunger and poverty across the nation are evidence of the government’s failure to deliver on its promises.
Odok also raised concerns over the government’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, which he believes has caused more harm than good. He criticized the administration for increasing borrowing levels after the subsidy removal, a move that he claims contradicts previous assurances made about protecting future generations. He warned that this borrowing spree could burden future generations with substantial debt while exacerbating Nigeria’s already dire economic challenges.
The removal of the fuel subsidy, Odok argued, has had far-reaching negative consequences, including soaring inflation, rising poverty, and increasing unemployment. He noted that the cost of living has surged, making basic goods and services unaffordable for many Nigerians. Additionally, the elimination of subsidies has reportedly led to an increase in fuel smuggling, rising crime rates, and job losses in the informal sector.
Odok concluded that the government’s decision to remove the subsidies, which was intended to stabilize the economy, has instead contributed to more economic hardship and uncertainty for the people of Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Calabar, Odok said, “It is clear that the current federal government’s policies have only exacerbated the economic woes of Nigerians.”
Odok noted further that the country is struggling to make ends meet, with widespread hunger and poverty. “And yet, the current administration expects us to applaud their actions as some sort of achievement.”
” Is it not shocking that after removing fuel subsidy, they are borrowing more than the previous administration?
“They once told us that removing fuel subsidy was necessary to avoid endangering our unborn children.
“Now that they’ve removed fuel subsidy, along with most other subsidies on dollars, electricity, and more, they’ve essentially opened the floodgates for the government to borrow recklessly.”
“The cost of living has skyrocketed, with prices of basic goods and services rising exponentially. The government’s decision to remove subsidies has also led to increased fuel smuggling, crime, and job losses in the informal sector.
” It’s ironic that the removal of fuel subsidies, which was supposed to save our economy, has only led to more hardship and uncertainty.”
