The Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticized the administration led by President Bola Tinubu, accusing them of squandering NGN4.3tn on palliatives and loans that have failed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Nigerians. The opposition party argues that despite the government’s promises, the funds have not trickled down to the grassroots level.
Last year, on July 31, the President announced a series of palliatives aimed at alleviating the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. These measures included allocating NGN100bn for the purchase of CNG-fueled buses, NGN200bn to boost agriculture production, NGN75bn for manufacturers, and NGN125bn for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the informal sector.
However, according to the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, these palliatives have been nothing more than an illusion and have not made a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Ifoh questions the effectiveness of these measures, as the inflation rate continues to rise, especially in food prices, which directly affects the average Nigerian’s daily sustenance.
Ifoh challenges the government’s claims by asking if any Nigerian can confirm receiving any of the NGN4.3tn in palliatives. He asserts that even in his own village, no one has seen a single dime.
The LP spokesperson emphasizes the urgency for the government to take concrete actions to address the mounting hardships faced by Nigerians, rather than relying on empty promises and misleading figures.
Furthermore, Ifoh raises concerns about the recent announcement of providing financial assistance to states to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens, questioning whether this is just a repetition of promises made a year ago without any tangible results. The LP calls on the government to act swiftly before the situation becomes unbearable for Nigerians.
