The Federal Government and opposition parties clashed on Tuesday following Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) backed the governor, asserting that Tinubu’s reforms have exacerbated poverty and unemployment.
However, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, countered these claims, emphasizing that the policies are freeing more resources for states. Idris assured Nigerians that the reforms’ benefits would become evident by 2025, describing them as transformative measures to consolidate growth.
Governor Oborevwori’s Criticism
Governor Oborevwori accused the Federal Government of fueling widespread hunger, poverty, and mass unemployment. He argued that the removal of fuel subsidies and naira unification had led to severe inflation and naira devaluation, overshadowing any potential benefits of the policies.
The governor’s Executive Assistant on New Media, Felix Ofou, reinforced these sentiments, stating that the reforms have plunged Nigerians into unprecedented economic hardship.
Idris dismissed the governor’s critique as a distraction from the vast federal allocations Delta State has received under Tinubu’s administration. He said:
“A governor who has received close to a trillion naira since taking office should focus on accountability rather than casting aspersions on the Federal Government.”
The Minister highlighted increased funds for state governments and new federal initiatives, including the establishment of a Ministry for Livestock Development, as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
Leaders from the PDP, NNPP, and Labour Party joined the Delta governor in calling for a review of Tinubu’s policies. NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, criticized the government’s “obstinacy” and urged a policy reset before Nigerians assess the administration during its mid-term evaluation in May 2025.
Labour Party’s National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, stressed the importance of revising harsh economic policies:
“When policies become too harsh, they should be withdrawn and replaced with alternatives that work for the people without inflicting suffering.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) defended Tinubu’s policies, urging patience as the reforms take time to bear fruit. APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, insisted the policies were stimulating growth, particularly in agriculture, and argued that opposition leaders were politicizing the reforms prematurely.
“The Delta governor is speaking out of tune. The government is creating opportunities for Nigerians to thrive, particularly in agriculture,” Ibrahim said.
Governor Oborevwori’s Rebuttal
Also, In a surprising turn, Governor Oborevwori distanced himself from the statements attributed to him by Felix Ofou. His Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, clarified that the governor maintains a harmonious relationship with Tinubu and fully supports the President’s administration.
“Governor Oborevwori has consistently urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu to ensure the success of both Federal and Delta State administrations,” Ahon stated.
Despite the heated debate, the controversy highlights the growing divide over Tinubu’s economic policies, with critics decrying their immediate impact and supporters urging patience for long-term benefits.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
