CurrentReport Blog In a recent statement, the Labour Party has expressed deep disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s comments regarding the widespread poverty in Nigeria. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, criticized the President for what he termed as dismissive and mocking remarks about the plight of Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s controversial statement, suggesting that Nigerians were not the only ones suffering from poverty, has sparked outrage among citizens and political entities alike. Ifoh emphasized that such remarks are not only disheartening but also a stark reminder of the current administration’s failure to address the escalating economic crisis.
“We are disappointed but not surprised by the comments made by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu about the excruciating poverty his administration’s policies have unleashed on Nigerians since he took office over a year ago,” said Ifoh. “It was, to say the least, disheartening to hear Mr. President mock his citizens by saying Nigerians are not the only ones facing poverty.”
The Labour Party underscored that Nigerians do not need reminders of their suffering, which they attribute directly to the government’s policies. Ifoh further noted, “Assuming but not conceding that what he said is true, Nigerians who are at the receiving end of his harsh economic policies don’t need to be reminded about the pain and hunger they have been forced to live with by the very people who put them in that situation in the first place.”
Highlighting the contradictions in the administration’s approach, Ifoh pointed out the stark contrast between the lavish spending on governmental luxuries and the dire state of public services. “We are yet to get over the billions appropriated for the renovation of the President and Vice President’s lodges; now we hear they want new jets to join the Presidential fleet,” he remarked. “Meanwhile, our schools and health institutions are on their knees, and the government claims it cannot afford to pay public servants a living wage.”
The Labour Party urged President Tinubu to adhere to the constitutional mandate that prioritizes the security and welfare of the citizens. Ifoh reminded the administration of its obligation to alleviate, not exacerbate, the nation’s poverty crisis. “May be this administration needs to be reminded that it was elected to reduce if not eliminate poverty, hunger and disease but what we have seen is an obsession with opulence.”
As the debate continues, the Labour Party calls for a reevaluation of governmental priorities and a genuine commitment to improving the living conditions of all Nigerians.
