The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s New Year message, describing it as “empty” and lacking concrete solutions to the nation’s critical challenges, such as unemployment and hunger.
Gists9ja reports that in a statement issued on Wednesday, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba accused the president of delivering a “self-serving” address that failed to address the dire economic realities facing Nigerians.
The PDP claimed that the speech demonstrated a clear disconnect from the struggles of ordinary citizens, stating, “Nigerians were dismayed that despite pressure from the PDP and concerned citizens, President Tinubu’s New Year speech failed to offer a clear vision for the country or provide solutions to the many issues caused by the APC’s poor governance.”
The opposition party further criticized the administration for its apparent disregard of the hardship Nigerians are enduring. It emphasized that the speech did not mention any tangible policy measures aimed at reducing the price of petroleum products, alleviating widespread hunger, or revitalizing the nation’s declining industrial sector.
Ologunagba pointed out that the speech neglected to address crucial sectors like petroleum pricing, food security, energy, infrastructure, and employment. He noted that no strategic plan was offered to stimulate small and medium-sized businesses or to tackle the unemployment crisis, which continues to affect millions of Nigerians.
The PDP also stressed the importance of affordable fuel prices, insisting that with proper management, Nigerians should not have to pay more than ₦350 per litre for petrol. The party argued that this could be achieved through efficient resource management, leveraging the country’s economic potential, improving national refining capacity, and enforcing effective border control.
According to the PDP, President Tinubu’s administration lacks both the competence and the will to manage the country’s resources effectively for the benefit of its citizens. The party also rejected the president’s claim that Nigerians have confidence in his leadership, calling it a misrepresentation of public sentiment and a sign of his detachment from the widespread dissatisfaction with his governance.
“It is clear that President Tinubu is out of touch with the realities of the country’s situation,” Ologunagba said. “His speech failed to address pressing issues like unemployment and the soaring cost of living, which are among the top concerns of Nigerians today.”
The PDP also stated that many Nigerians have lost trust in the leadership of the APC and are now looking to future elections to bring an end to the party’s rule. The opposition party urged President Tinubu to focus on improving the welfare and security of the people, advocating for a governance approach that is more in tune with the needs and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.
