The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s claim that opposition politicians have been liable for the starvation and poverty confronting Nigerians, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to evade duty for the nation’s financial challenges.
The get together, mentioned blaming the opposition wouldn’t handle the rising value of dwelling, meals insecurity, unemployment and different difficulties dealing with Nigerians.
Jungudo Mohammed, the PDP nationwide publicity secretary, acknowledged this in a press release on Monday in response to remarks by Mr Tinubu and the ruling get together.
“The PDP considers these statements as attempts to evade responsibility and divert public attention from the pressing challenges facing the country under the APC-led administration,” he mentioned.
Mr Mohammed urged the APC to focus on addressing the nation’s financial challenges slightly than participating in political blame video games.
“Rather than engaging in political blame games, the APC should explain what it intends to do to make food affordable, support farmers, strengthen local food production, create jobs, improve security, fight corruption, improve electricity supply, reduce transportation costs, and restore the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians, among other pressing concerns,” he mentioned.
Tinubu’s allegation
At the flag-off of his re-election marketing campaign in Kaduna on Saturday, Mr Tinubu accused opposition politicians of making starvation and poverty within the nation, insisting that his administration was working to eradicate each.
“I have heard the opposition talking about hunger and poverty. Who created them? They did. They created the hunger; they created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” the president mentioned.
Earlier on Monday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made an identical argument, saying the foundations of Nigeria’s present poverty disaster have been laid earlier than Mr Tinubu assumed workplace in May 2023.
Mr Morka argued that former leaders shouldn’t painting the financial hardship as an issue that emerged underneath the present administration.
In his response, Mr Mohammed acknowledged among the achievements of Mr Tinubu’s administration however rejected the arguement that the PDP’s 16 years in energy supplied a blanket justification for the present authorities’s shortcomings.
“While the PDP acknowledges some of the achievements recorded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, where applicable, we firmly reject any attempt to use the PDP’s sixteen years in government as a blanket justification for the shortcomings of the present administration,” he mentioned.
He added that acknowledging the administration’s achievements shouldn’t be interpreted as an endorsement of all its insurance policies or an acceptance of makes an attempt to switch duty for present financial difficulties to earlier PDP-led governments.
Mr Mohammed mentioned that after greater than a decade in energy, the APC ought to account for its efficiency and clarify the concrete measures it was taking to enhance Nigerians’ dwelling situations.
“After more than APC’s 10 years in office, Nigerians deserve answers, not excuses. The APC must tell Nigerians what it has achieved, outline the concrete measures it is taking to address the country’s present-day challenges, and demonstrate its commitment to improving the welfare of citizens rather than continually dragging the PDP into its own shortcomings,” he mentioned.
He argued that though previous administrations might present historic context for the nation’s financial difficulties, they may not function a everlasting defend in opposition to accountability.
“The PDP maintains that the economic challenges confronting Nigeria cannot be resolved by repeatedly blaming previous PDP-led administrations. While historical circumstances may provide context, they cannot serve as a permanent shield against accountability. Every administration must be judged by its policies, decisions, achievements, and, most importantly, the living conditions of the people it governs,” he added.
PDP defends its report
The PDP spokesperson additionally defended the get together’s report throughout its 16 years in energy, from 1999 to 2015, claiming that Nigerians loved a greater lifestyle and safety underneath earlier PDP administrations.
“Nigerians remember the standard of living and the security situation under previous PDP administrations. Today, citizens are demanding practical solutions, affordable food, economic stability, and improved security, not endless political arguments and blame shifting,” he mentioned.
Mr Mohammed expressed confidence that Nigerians would decide political events by their information, insurance policies and dedication to public welfare.
He additionally mentioned the need amongst Nigerians for a return to PDP management mirrored their demand for higher governance, improved dwelling situations and a safer nation.
The PDP spokesperson urged the president and the ruling get together to cease blaming opposition events and take duty for the nation’s challenges.
“Our message to the APC is easy: cease the blame sport and begin taking duty. Nigerians deserve options, not excuses. The authorities in energy should handle the nation’s challenges via concrete, measurable, and sustainable actions that may convey significant reduction to residents.
“The PDP is not responsible for the hunger Nigerians are experiencing today. The APC must own its record, address the nation’s challenges, and deliver on its promises to Nigerians. The government in power must answer for its stewardship and present a credible path towards economic recovery, food security, and a better standard of living for all Nigerians,” he added.
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