The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to seek the guidance of former President Goodluck Jonathan to address the ongoing economic crisis in the country.
The appeal comes just days after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Organised Private Sector demanded a reversal of the recent fuel price hikes.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) recently raised the price of petrol to N1,030 per litre from N897 in Abuja, and from N868 to N998 per litre in Lagos.
Similar increases were witnessed across the country, sparking widespread public outrage. This marks the second fuel price hike in just one month, representing a 14.8% increase, or an additional N133 per litre.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the National Secretary of the NNPP, Dipo Olaoyoku, expressed concerns over the current administration’s handling of the economic situation, stating that it lacks the necessary expertise to navigate Nigeria through these turbulent times.
“As far as Nigeria is concerned, nothing shocks us anymore. This government has no iota of a solution to the country’s problems. When a government consistently opts for the easiest way out of a crisis, it means the nation is on a long and difficult journey,” Olaoyoku said.
He criticized President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies on his first day in office without fully understanding the intricacies of the subsidy program and its beneficiaries.
Olaoyoku also condemned the floating of the naira, pointing out that Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, combined with a weak naira, has worsened the economic challenges.
“This government is bereft of ideas. Unfortunately, if you look at the people he has appointed to key positions, you won’t find a competent one among them.
“After surviving Buhari’s administration, Nigerians are now facing catastrophic hardships under this government, which has shown no compassion,” he added.
Olaoyoku further criticized President Tinubu for surrounding himself with political allies rather than recruiting competent technocrats who could offer effective solutions.
He urged the President to turn to seasoned administrators like former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose leadership kept the naira-to-dollar exchange rate stable at N200 during his tenure.
“Let them go and beg Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for advice on how he managed to stabilize the naira and maintain economic balance before the APC came into power,” Olaoyoku concluded.
