-Deborah Akinyosoye
The New Nigeria Peoples Party has called on President Bola Tinubu to consult with former President Goodluck Jonathan regarding the ongoing economic challenges in the country.
This appeal came just three days after the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Organised Private Sector requested a reversal of the latest price adjustments.
The NNPC’s retail stations increased the price of petrol to N1,030 from N897 per litre in Abuja, and from N868 per litre to N998 per litre in Lagos. Other regions experienced similar price hikes, sparking public outcry.
The recent price hike, the second in a month, marks a roughly 14.8 percent or N133 increase.
During an interview with the media, NNPP National Secretary Dipo Olaoyoku shared his concerns, suggesting that the current government lacks the necessary strategies to address the country’s issues.
He remarked, “Nothing surprises us in Nigeria anymore. This administration has no clear solution to the nation’s problems. When a government chooses quick fixes during a crisis, it signals a long road ahead for Nigeria.
“How can a president announce the removal of subsidies on his first day in office without evaluating its scale or understanding the beneficiaries? In the same week, the naira was floated, despite Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel priced based on the currency.”
He further criticized the competence of appointees in government, lamenting the country’s current state after the Buhari administration. Olaoyoku expressed disappointment, saying, “After enduring Buhari’s tenure, look at the condition Nigeria is in now. It’s disastrous. This government shows no empathy towards Nigerians.”
Continuing, the NNPP leader noted that, instead of appointing experts from diverse backgrounds, the President opted to surround himself with close political associates.
Olaoyoku advised that unless Tinubu seeks guidance from seasoned political leaders like Jonathan, whose governance experience could be valuable, the masses would continue to suffer.
“They can ask Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for advice on how he managed to maintain the naira-dollar rate at N200 before the APC took over. They should approach him for assistance,” he added.
However, the ruling All Progressives Congress criticized the NNPP’s comments, describing Olaoyoku as an uninformed commentator.
In a phone interview, APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, responded that the NNPP should propose its suggestions through its only governor in Kano, who could raise the issue at the National Council of State meeting, where Jonathan would also be present.
He said, “If the NNPP had a solution, they would be in power. Their claims show a lack of foresight, and Nigerians have little confidence that they understand the complexities of the country’s economic situation.
“The NNPP controls only one state, Kano, and its governor is a member of the National Council of State, just like former President Jonathan. This council addresses national issues periodically.
“If the NNPP is serious and patriotic, let their Kano governor present these ideas at the Council of State, with Jonathan present, so solutions can be found in the nation’s best interest. Instead of speaking from a distance and offering impractical suggestions, they should engage with the process.