Nigeria making money, yet poverty is rising – Baba-Ahmed
PRP Chairman Critiques Tinubu Administration’s Policy Execution
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has voiced strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming it has implemented significant policies without sufficient planning and failed to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
In an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Friday, Baba-Ahmed asserted that the federal government did not conduct proper assessments prior to initiating key economic reforms, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy.
He emphasized that major policy decisions should be preceded by thorough analyses of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, commonly known as a SWOT analysis. “You don’t embark on policies without SWOT analysis. The very day President Tinubu was sworn in, by his own admission, the issue about removing the subsidy was not even in his speech,” Baba-Ahmed said.
Furthermore, he argued that the administration did not adequately prepare the public for the ramifications of the subsidy removal. “No government undertakes a policy measure of this magnitude without putting it through the most basic elements of a SWOT analysis,” he added.
Baba-Ahmed also refuted claims that opposition members are attempting to undermine the government through unconstitutional means, asserting that any change in leadership would occur through the electoral process. “We intend to remove the government by voting them out of power. That is the case,” he stated.
Expressing disappointment with President Tinubu’s performance, Baba-Ahmed remarked that the President entered office with substantial political credentials but has not capitalized on what he described as a historic opportunity to resolve Nigeria’s long-standing issues, including insecurity, rising living costs, and corruption. “The President came to power with fairly good credentials. You would think a man who is so ambitious and who said, ‘It’s my time,’ would come to power and tackle some of the most fundamental problems of this country. He did none of those things,” he said.
Despite increased government revenues, Baba-Ahmed claimed that many Nigerians continue to face deteriorating economic conditions. “Now we’re here. Nigeria is making so much money, and yet poverty levels are rising, insecurity is rising, and corruption is rising,” he alleged.
In conclusion, the PRP chairman described the Tinubu administration as having failed to meet public expectations. In response, the federal government has consistently defended its economic reforms, asserting that initiatives such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and exchange rate adjustments are essential for stabilizing the economy and fostering long-term growth.
