Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has condemned the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, claiming they have exacerbated hunger and poverty across Nigeria.
Oborevwori stated that even international bodies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have acknowledged that the policies are ineffective and have led to widespread economic hardship.
His comments came in response to remarks made by former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who recently praised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration at an APC event.
Omo-Agege claimed that these policies had resulted in increased federal allocations to state and local governments, as well as economic growth, lower imports, higher exports, and improved incomes for farmers.
In a press statement issued by the Governor’s Aide on New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, in Monday, Oborevwori expressed his belief that Tinubu’s economic strategies, particularly the removal of the petroleum subsidy and the floating of the Naira, have caused significant pain for Nigerians.
He questioned the impact of the economic gains cited by Omo-Agege, pointing out that inflation, currency devaluation, and widespread hunger have rendered any potential increases in federal allocations virtually meaningless.
Oborevwori also highlighted the alarming statistics from the World Bank and IMF, which have labeled Nigeria as the poverty capital of the world, with over 130 million people living below the poverty line. He criticized the economic model pursued by the Tinubu administration, describing it as one that has worsened the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The Governor further expressed disbelief that anyone would recommend such policies as a model for Delta State. He questioned why Omo-Agege would advocate for a model that has led to economic hardship and suffering, arguing that it is not a path Deltans would want to follow.
Oborevwori said, “Can we really talk of increased money in any state in Nigeria? What is the worth of such money in the face of galloping inflation, gross devaluation of the Naira, unparalleled hunger, mass poverty, mass unemployment, daily closure of major factories and multinationals in the country?”
“Both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have rightly stated that Tinubu’s economic policies are not working.
“The policies have transformed Nigeria into the poverty capital of the world, with over 130 million of the population living below the poverty mark.”
He said, “Is this the model that Omo-Agege is recommending for Delta to copy? A model that has unleashed economic hardship on the people. Why would anyone recommend APC’s T-pain as a remedy to our woes?
“Obviously, this is not a path desirable for Deltans and one they would want to embrace at this time.”
