Less than 24 hours after the presidential media chat, it has generated condemnation as well as commendation by Nigerians.
While dissecting it in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through its national publicity secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, joined those that condemned the chat.
He described the chat as insensitivity to the current widespread hardship and suffering faced by Nigerians which resulted in the ill-implemented and anti-people policies of the APC.
The party specifically called out President Tinubu for saying he had no regrets for the sudden removal of fuel subsidy without any cushioning measures to mitigate the resultant crippling effect on the productive sector, high cost of living and associated hardship which is now driving citizens to extreme poverty.
He said it a confirmation of APC’s disconnection from the primary purpose of government which is the welfare and security of the citizens.
“It is instructive that President Tinubu in the chat admitted that Nigerians are bearing the brunt of the failure and inability of the APC administration under his watch to effectively police and secure our nation’s boarders as to prevent the smuggling of petroleum products to neighboring countries.
“The PDP is disturbed that while the APC has failed to account for the proceeds saved from the removal of subsidy, Nigerians are subjected to crushing economic hardship because the APC administration has failed in its fundamental duty of ensuring the territorial integrity of our nation.
“Moreover, Nigerians are appalled that instead of admitting failure and seeking for solutions, Mr. President again claimed that the nation’s economy has improved under his watch when in reality the situation has worsened with comatose productive sector, deteriorating value of the naira at N1,700 to the US Dollar, 34.6% inflation and 40% unemployment rates in the last 18 months.
“The PDP holds that there is no hope in sight under the APC given its failure to embark on meaningful investments in critical sectors including agriculture and food production, electricity, petroleum and gas, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, which are the real drivers of the national economy,” the party said.
