President Bola Tinubu’s upbeat message on Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary has met sharp criticism from the opposition.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) all lambasted the government, accusing it of trying to paint an unrealistic picture of Nigeria’s reality.
Obi told journalists in Abuja that Nigeria was once full of promise but had been ruined under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has been in power since 2015.
“In 1999, we overcame military dictatorship and restored democracy, beginning a renewed journey toward prosperity, freedom, and justice,” Obi said.
He recalled that at independence in 1960, Nigeria was not only expected to lead Africa but to compete globally.
“But over the last decade, under the APC’s incompetent, divisive, and corrupt leadership, Nigeria has been greatly diminished.”
Obi claimed that Tinubu’s policies pushed over 15 million Nigerians below the poverty line in just one year.
He said Nigerians are being forced to pay higher taxes while getting almost nothing in return.
“Our total debt stands at about ₦175 trillion, nearly 50 % of GDP, without any improvement in productive sectors,” he added.
“Leaders Feast While the People Starve”
Obi blasted what he described as reckless borrowing and reckless spending.
“More than 150 million Nigerians lack access to basic healthcare, education, water, and sanitation. This number grows daily under an APC government that taxes struggling citizens and small businesses heavily, while indulging in extravagance.”
He cited billions spent on new presidential jets, yachts, and luxury cars. “These luxuries cost more than the entire 2024 budget for primary healthcare.”
On insecurity, Obi said billions of naira were paid as ransom while citizens lived in fear.
But he insisted Nigeria could still rise with competent and people-focused leadership.
“With the right leadership, we can defeat terrorism, restore security, and guarantee Nigerians safe communities where enterprise and social life can thrive.”
ADC: “Tinubu Missed the Moment”
Meanwhile, the coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is tearing at the president’s speech from the other end, saying Tinubu’s Independence Day speech lacked historical depth.
Bolaji Abdullahi, its spokesperson, said the president treated the national broadcast like a budget review.
“Nigerians expected a reflection on our past and a vision for the future. What they got instead was propaganda about reforms,” Abdullahi said.
According to him, Tinubu spoke as a partisan leader, not as a unifying statesman.
Atiku: “Nigerians Reduced to Beggars”
Not to be left out, frontline opposition politician and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar insisted the president was paying lip service to the sufferings of the Nigerian masses.
Taking to his verified X handle, Atiku posted: “It is tragic that in a country blessed with immense human and material resources, millions of our people have been reduced to refugees and beggars in their fatherland.”
He said hunger is killing Nigerians while “bandits are massacring communities, yet President Tinubu and his cabinet stand by, unmoved and uncaring.”
Atiku added that democracy still gives people hope. “Oppressed and battered as our people may feel today, they will have the chance to sweep away this inept government at the next polls.”
Still, he offered his own version of hope: “With the right leadership”, the presidential hopeful said, “our dear country can rise from the ashes of failed governance to reclaim its rightful place among the comity of nations.”
Tinubu said in his speech that the “worst is over.” But opposition leaders insist, if anything, the hardship is worsening.
The politicians trade words, Nigerians are torn between two narratives. But the one question that matters to them is simple: “Am I better off today than I was a decade ago?”
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
