One of the governors in the southern part of the country, Sheriff Oborevwori, has taken a strong stance against the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing them of deepening hunger, poverty, and unemployment across Nigeria, and pushing the nation further into economic despair.
In a statement issued by his Executive Assistant on New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, Oborevwori condemned key policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
According to the governor, any potential benefits from these measures have been negated by the devaluation of the naira and surging inflation.
His remarks were a response to statements by former Deputy Senate President (DSP), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, at an All Progressives Congress (APC) event. Omo-Agege had praised Tinubu’s policies, claiming they resulted in increased federal allocations, rising economic growth, higher incomes for farmers, and a boost in exports.
Omo-Agege also criticized the Delta State government, alleging that despite receiving over N900 billion in federal allocations and revenue from the 13% derivation over the last year and a half, there were no significant development projects to show for it.
He accused the state administration of mismanaging funds and using the remainder to settle debts.
Oborevwori dismissed these claims, questioning the real value of the increased allocations in the context of widespread economic challenges.
“Can we really talk of increased money in any state in Nigeria? What is the worth of such money in the face of galloping inflation, gross devaluation of the naira, unparalleled hunger, mass poverty, mass unemployment, daily closure of major factories and multinationals in the country?” he asked.
The governor also cited assessments from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which he said confirm that the current economic policies are failing and have solidified Nigeria’s status as the “poverty capital of the world.”
“Both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have rightly stated that Tinubu’s economic policies are not working. That the policies have transformed Nigeria into the poverty capital of the world, with over 130 million of the population living below the poverty mark,” he added.
In conclusion, Oborevwori rejected Omo-Agege’s recommendation that Delta should adopt APC’s economic approach, calling it a model that has inflicted severe hardship on Nigerians.
“Is this the model that Omo-Agege is recommending for Delta to copy! A model that has unleashed economic hardship on the people? Why would anyone recommend APC’s T-pain as remedy to our woes? Obviously, this is not a path desirable for Deltans and one they would want to embrace at this time,” he stated.
The governor urged caution in adopting policies that exacerbate economic difficulties, emphasizing the need for strategies that prioritize the well-being of citizens.
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