“Rice won’t fix this” — PDP spokesman lashes at Tinubu

Former PDP spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan has lashed out at President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, accusing them of driving Nigeria into crisis.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Ologbondiyan criticized the abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira, highlighting the financial burden these decisions have placed on Nigerians.

“Phased removal of subsidy, coupled with meaningful palliatives, would have been the way forward,” Ologbondiyan said, contrasting the All Progressives Congress (APC) approach with what he claimed was the People’s Democratic Party’s more considerate strategy during its time in power.

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He didn’t mince words about the APC’s attempts at cushioning the blow:

“Nigerians need more than subsidized rice. A functional public transport system, for instance, would reduce dependence on personal vehicles and ease the economic pressure.”

Since Tinubu took office in May 2023, fuel prices have skyrocketed, climbing from an average of N189 per liter to over N1000. The impact of the subsidy removal has rippled across sectors, leaving many Nigerians struggling with soaring living costs and an uncertain future.

Over the weekend, PDP governors convened to discuss the worsening economic situation, calling for sweeping reforms. However, Ologbondiyan admitted that even his party has not been proactive enough: “We are paying lip service to engaging the sitting government. We need to present actionable alternatives, not just criticism.”