The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu economic policies, accusing them of deepening poverty, hunger, and unemployment across Nigeria. According to the governor, these policies have contributed to Nigeria’s status as the world’s poverty capital.
Oborevwori specifically highlighted the adverse effects of key measures such as the removal of petroleum subsidies and the floating of the naira. While these policies were initially anticipated to yield economic benefits, he argued that their impact has been overshadowed by severe naira devaluation and surging inflation.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Executive Assistant on New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, Governor Oborevwori called for a shift towards policies that would alleviate poverty and reduce the suffering faced by Nigerians.
Sheriff Oborevwori Response to Omo-Agege’s Claims
The governor’s remarks were a direct rebuttal to recent statements made by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, a former Deputy President of the Senate. Omo-Agege had praised Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming they had led to increased federal allocations to state and local governments, higher economic growth rates, rising export levels, and improved incomes for farmers.
Governor Oborevwori questioned the validity of these claims, pointing out that any perceived financial gains are rendered meaningless in the face of rampant inflation, significant naira devaluation, and widespread poverty.
He stated, “Can we 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, and daily closure of major factories and multinationals in the country?
Oborevwori further cited assessments from global financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which he claimed have declared Tinubu’s economic strategies ineffective. According to the governor, these policies have exacerbated Nigeria’s financial woes, leaving over 130 million citizens living below the poverty line.
He added,“Tinubu’s economic policies have unleashed economic hardship on Nigerians and are not a desirable model for Delta State.
“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 a remedy to our woes? This is not a path desirable for Deltans and one they would want to embrace at this time,” he said.
However, Governor Oborevwori urged the federal government to reconsider its current approach, advocating for measures that prioritize the well-being of citizens over policies that exacerbate their hardships.
