The Labour Party’s Lagos State Governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, asserting that they have subjected Nigerians to unprecedented hardship.
Rhodes-Vivour made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, where he discussed the impact of the policies implemented by Tinubu’s administration since he assumed office on May 29, 2023. The reforms include the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira.
According to Rhodes-Vivour, these measures have disproportionately benefited a select group of individuals, including the President’s associates, bankers, and government officials, while offering no relief to ordinary Nigerians.
He stated, “The people are experiencing unprecedented hardship. Today, over 70 per cent of people’s income is spent on transportation and food. They haven’t even started considering how they can afford accommodation.
“The only people who seem to be benefitting from these reforms are perhaps the bankers, those in government, and the President’s friends. How many Nigerians can honestly say they are benefitting from any reform right now?”
The Labour Party candidate also accused the government of failing to set an example of prudence, alleging a culture of waste and extravagance within the administration.
“We are witnessing a culture of wastefulness and extravagance, which starkly contrasts with the dire economic situation the President claims requires urgent reform,” Rhodes-Vivour added.
His comments reflect growing concerns among Nigerians about the rising cost of living and the perceived lack of tangible benefits from the government’s economic policies.
