Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Criticizes Tinubu's Economic Policies, Calls Them 'Unprecedented Hardship

 

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has strongly criticized the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, claiming they have led to an unprecedented rise in hunger, poverty, and unemployment, ultimately making Nigeria the world’s poverty capital.

Oborevwori specifically targeted Tinubu's policies, including the removal of the petroleum subsidy and the floating of the naira, arguing that any potential benefits from these measures have been overshadowed by the sharp devaluation of the naira and skyrocketing inflation.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Executive Assistant on New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, the Delta governor stressed that it is time for the Tinubu administration to adopt policies that would alleviate the growing poverty and hardship faced by Nigerians.

Oborevwori’s remarks came in response to claims made by former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who argued that the President’s economic policies have resulted in increased federal allocations to state and local governments, higher economic growth rates, declining imports, increased exports, and improved incomes for farmers.

However, Governor Oborevwori disputed Omo-Agege’s assertions, questioning the value of increased allocations in the face of relentless inflation, naira devaluation, and widespread poverty. He asked, "Can we talk about increased funds in any state when the value of that money is eroded by inflation, a devalued naira, rampant hunger, massive unemployment, and the daily closure of factories and multinational companies?"

The governor also pointed to reports from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which have criticized Tinubu’s economic policies, describing them as ineffective and responsible for pushing Nigeria into its current position as the global poverty capital, with over 130 million people living below the poverty line.

Oborevwori emphasized that Tinubu’s economic agenda has brought about significant hardship for Nigerians and is not a model he would want Delta State to follow. He expressed disbelief at Omo-Agege’s support for the administration’s approach, questioning why anyone would suggest such policies as a solution for the state’s problems.

He concluded, "Why would anyone recommend APC’s economic path as a remedy for our issues? This is not the direction Deltans want to go, and it is not a path we should embrace at this time."