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Hardship: FG, opposition clash over Tinubu’s economic reforms

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Hardship: FG, opposition clash over Tinubu’s economic reforms
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PDP, LP, NNPP link President’s reforms to worsening hardship, APC, govt defend policies

The Federal Government and opposition parties clashed on Tuesday following the criticism of the economic policies of the Bola Tinubu administration by the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

The Peoples Democratic Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party agreed with the governor that Nigerians are being crushed under the weight of Tinubu’s economic reforms but the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, argued that the reforms had made more resources available to states.

Idris further assured that ‘’Nigerians will feel the benefits in 2025.’’

Responding to questions from one of our correspondents, the minister stated, “2025 is a year that President Tinubu’s reforms will be consolidated for the benefit of all Nigerians

“Mr President has embarked on an ambitious reform agenda that is already freeing more resources to the subnationals, not just the Federal Government.”

Idris argued that Governor Oborevwori’s comments are a smokescreen to avoid accounting for the increased allocation Delta, an oil-producing state, has enjoyed under Tinubu.

The Delta governor’s comments about the economic policies of the Tinubu administration are an attempt to distract from the challenge thrown to him to account for the resources of Delta State which have increased vastly in the last 18 months.

“A governor who has received close to a trillion naira since coming to office should focus on accounting for it, not casting aspersions on a Federal Government that is doing everything to empower the states,” the minister counselled.

Oborevwori had accused the Federal Government of unleashing unprecedented hunger, poverty and mass unemployment on Nigerians, turning Nigeria into the world’s poverty capital.

The governor said the probable gains of Tinubu’s policies on petroleum subsidy removal and floating of the naira had been eclipsed by naira devaluation and soaring inflation.

In a statement by his Executive Assistant on New Media, Mr Felix Ofou, the Delta governor said it was time Tinubu embraced policies that would stem poverty and suffering.

His comments came on the backdrop of an assertion by the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, that the President’s economic policies “increased federal allocation to state and local governments, rising economic growth rates, declining imports, higher exports and higher incomes for farmers.”

However, Oborevwori faulted Omo-Agege’s claim saying, “the value of the increased funds amidst galloping inflation, naira devaluation, and widespread poverty.”

Upon assuming office 18 months ago, President Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates.

Though touted as necessary reforms, these moves triggered seismic economic disruptions, infusing immense pressure into daily Nigerian life.

The fuel subsidy, which had long shielded Nigerians from global oil price volatility, was scrapped, pushing fuel prices from approximately N185 to around N1,100 per litre.

The price of commodities followed suit as fuel costs underpinned transportation, food prices and general consumer goods.

By October 2023, the national inflation rate surged to 32.7 per cent, with food inflation peaking at an alarming 37.5 per cent.

Coupled with subsidy removal was the unification of the multiple exchange rates.

For years, Nigeria operated an artificially pegged naira rate to support imports and control inflation, a policy that led to currency speculation and a thriving black market.

Tinubu’s unification aimed to create a more transparent and equitable foreign exchange regime.

However, it also led to an immediate naira depreciation, severely eroding purchasing power and raising import duties.

This raised the prices of essentials like medicines, electronics and food products, further worsening inflation.

Also, about 104 million Nigerians sank into poverty by December 2023, the World Bank estimated.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, and the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said the policies should be reviewed.

Osadolor said the country was suffering due to the policies of the current administration.

“So, unlike those in Aso Rock who are shielded from the reality of today, the Delta State governor, by virtue of being a community person, feels the pulse of his people firsthand, aside from being governor.
The people cry to him, and he feels their pain firsthand. We don’t have to be a Governor or a community person to know that there’s hunger in the land. Even the cattle and birds in the country show signs of despair.

“This speaks volumes about what has gone wrong with the country. The country is sick from the policies of the current administration, and it needs healing and deliverance from the economic managers of this government,” he said.

Osadolor argued that the governor simply echoed “what others have been saying.”

He added, “But I want to salute his courage and the risk he faces, even though he has immunity for now, of being retorted or called names.

“He has stepped forward to be counted among those who genuinely mean well for Nigerians and who truly feel the pain and suffering of the people.

I want all other men of goodwill and character to stand up and speak up and be counted, and say, enough is enough.”

The National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP said the Tinubu administration needed to review its policies before May 29, when Nigerians would finalise their assessment of the APC government.

Johnson stated “Our position has been clear: it doesn’t seem that the policies are working, and people are suffering.

“We have already stated that they should press the reset button and try to see if they can turn things around.

They shouldn’t remain obstinate and continue insisting that it will work.”

Continuing, he said, “All we can do now is wait, but the first test will be on May 29th next year, which will be the mid-term.

“At that point, we can assess the mid-term report card and see where we are and where we seem to be heading.

“By that stage, they will have no excuses. After the first test last year, they said the year was too short, but mid-term is the usual time for evaluation.”

Also speaking with The PUNCH, the National Youth Leader of the Labour Party, Kennedy Ahanotu, said despite having divergent philosophies from Oborevwori, his argument was valid.

Ahanotu said, “Truly, most people are saying that there is a need for Mr President to review his economic policy, and it’s in order. This is because when you want to test run something and you see that people are reacting to it.

“Even if you go to hospital to take an injection, if they start giving you an injection and you are reacting to it, they will remove it and start putting another. So, economic policy is something that is being test run daily.”

He continued, “When you see that it’s too harsh on people, you withdraw and seek other ways to make it work on people without having so much harsh effect. It’s not about what the Delta governor said. I think it’s the position of the majority of Nigerians.

“Some of the economic policies of Mr President should truly be reviewed to align with the economic realities in the country.”

However, the All Progressives Congress disagreed.

The APC argued that it is too early for opposition leaders to play politics with reforms that could salvage the economy and reposition it better for the future.

In a phone interview with one of our correspondents, the National Publicity Director of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, emphasised that the ruling party has an economic and agricultural policy, which Tinubu’s government is implementing accordingly.

He said, “In these reforms or policies, the government of the Federation has introduced for the first time a new Ministry for Livestock Development.

“This is something that has not been done before and the intention is to pay attention to the agricultural sector, in particular, the area of animal and food security.

“The Delta governor is speaking out of tune. Maybe the opposition politics has blinded him by the fact that there is supposed to be a time within which certain things will mature, and then we see the effect.”

He added, “People are not getting impoverished. They are being stimulated and encouraged to go to the farm.

“They are there with the intention of producing more so that there will be food on the table. Very soon, we will start seeing the results.”

Meanwhile, Governor Oborevwori has distanced himself from comments made by his Assistant on Media, Felix Ofou.

Oborevwori, through his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, said the views expressed by Ofou “were entirely personal and did not reflect the position of the Governor or the Delta State Government.”

Ahon said, “The comments attributed to Mr Felix Ofou are his personal views and do not represent the Governor or the Delta State Government.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori enjoys a harmonious working relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and has never made any such statements regarding the President’s policies.

“It is, therefore, imperative to state categorically that, as Chief Press Secretary and official spokesman of the Governor of Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori did not, and has never, expressed such views on Mr President’s economic policies.

“The general public is, therefore, advised to jettison such misleading reports as they do not reflect the views of the Governor, who is working very hard to provide good governance for Deltans and other residents of the state despite the present economic challenges faced by the citizens.”

Speaking further, Ahon said the Governor had constantly urged Delta residents and Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The CPS said this was the view Oborevwori expressed at the Urhobo Progress Union on Saturday, when the governor stated, “I want to appeal to Urhobo nation today, I am saying it here, I am an Urhobo man and I’m Governor of Delta State.

“But I will tell you today whether you like it or not, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is supporting this administration. God has made him the President as God has made me the Governor of Delta State.

Politics

Vladimir Putin challenges US, western powers to shoot down powerful new Russian missile: “No chance”

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  • Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a “high-technology duel” with the US to test the Oreshnik, Russia’s advanced hypersonic ballistic missile
  • The Oreshnik missile, capable of speeds up to 8,500 mph and carrying nuclear warheads, has already been deployed in Ukraine, targeting Dnipro
  • Putin challenged the US to select a target for a live demonstration, claiming Western missile defences would fail against Russia’s new weapon
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the challenge, questioning Putin’s rationality

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has issued a direct challenge to the United States.

Putin proposed a “high-technology duel” to test the effectiveness of Russia’s latest hypersonic ballistic missile, the Oreshnik.

The head of state made the proposition during his annual end-of-year press conference, a platform he often uses to assert Russia’s strength.

Military.com reports the Oreshnik missile, named after the Russian word for hazel tree, is an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.

It reportedly reaches speeds up to 8,500 miles per hour, making it a formidable addition to Russia’s arsenal.

What is Putin’s challenge to US and allies

Putin’s challenge involves the US selecting a target to defend, against which Russia would launch the Oreshnik on Kyiv to demonstrate its ability to penetrate advanced missile defence systems.

“We’re ready for such an experiment,” expressing confidence that Western technology “stands no chance” against this new weapon.

In November, Russia deployed the Oreshnik against a military facility in Dnipro, Ukraine, marking its first known use in combat.

This action was framed as retaliation for Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied missiles, such as the US ATACMS and British Storm Shadow, in strikes against Russian territories.

How did Ukraine respond to Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Putin’s challenge, questioning the rationality of such a proposal.

“Do you think he is a sane person?” Zelenskyy posed to reporters at his latest news conference as reported by Al Jazeera.

He went on to say that Ukraine and Russia had failed to strike an agreement during early-war discussions in Istanbul.

This comes after Putin stated that a tentative deal agreed by Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul during the early weeks of the war may serve as the foundation for future conversations.

“Ukraine did not agree to the ultimatum from the Russian Federation. Ukraine did not sign anything, no agreements existed. There was a response to the ultimatum from the Russian Federation,” he declared.

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Court Sacks APC chairman

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A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has invalidated the ward, local government, and state congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which led to the emergence of Tony Okocha as chairman.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Godswill Ogbomanu, declared that the party disregarded a prior court order that prohibited the congresses.

The court imposed a fine of ₦10 million on the APC, citing the need to maintain its authority.

The claimants’ legal representative expressed satisfaction with the judgment, describing it as a proper application of the law.

Meanwhile, the defence team plans to consult the APC’s National Working Committee before deciding on further steps.

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Uzodimma commends Okewulonu, Nnaji, Okere, Obi, others as they join APC … Defectors say Governor is a political magnet

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GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Uzodimma commends Okewulonu, Nnaji, Okere, Obi, others as they join APC

… Defectors say Governor is a political magnet

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Friday, recorded another political feat in Imo State with key figures in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), dumping such platforms and pitching tent with the ruling Party in Imo and at the national level.

The prominent politicians, including serving and former lawmakers with their numerous followers, were received by the leader of the APC in Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma, who commended them for their courage, wisdom and foresight.

The new APC members described Governor Uzodimma as a political magnet.

The Governor was joined by his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and the husband, Chukwuka, Imo APC Chairman, Macdonald Ebere and other key political figures and government officials in the State to welcome the new entrants at the Party’s headquarters on Okigwe road, Owerri, amid pomp and circumstance.

Among the defectors are Chief Chris Okewulonu, associate and ardent supporter of the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha as his Chief of Staff during his short-lived period as Governor, former House House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, former Commissioner and one time PDP Deputy Governorship candidate to Ihedioha in 2015, Hon Chuma Nnaji and former House of Representatives member for Ideato North and South, Rt. Hon Pascal Obi.

Others include House of Representatives member for Owerri Municipal, West and North, Rt.Hon. Chinedu Tochukwu Okere, former Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jonas Okeke, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 8, Lokoja, Bartholomew Onyeka and Hon Emeka Ahuoku, a PDP chieftain from Nwangele.

All the seven politicians came with their supporters who also joined the APC.

In welcoming them, Governor Uzodimma said he understands what it means to take such bold decisions, noting that he was not surprised because “genuine members of the political class in Imo wants the State to move forward regardless of political leaning.”

“For the wisdom, courage to take this decision, we must commend you, and I welcome all of you to our Party. Real stakeholders or political class in Imo State have once more come together. This is Hope Renewed, new programme, new agenda.”

Governor Uzodimma who used the opportunity to brief the old and new Party members on his laudable programmes and projects that will drive human traffic to Imo and put the State on the trajectory of development in the future, said he was not in doubt the new entrants have come to add value to the State given their rich resume in public and private sector.

The Governor hinted that full approval had been given by the parent body of Hilton Hotel to be domiciled in Owerri, Imo State, contrary to the thinking of pessimists that Hilton will not come to Imo.

He noted that his dream of having Imo State fully connected via a road network that will cut across the three senatorial zones, and require people from all the zones to access one another in record time, with 24 – hours power supply is already in progress and urged the people to patiently join hands with him to realise the objective.

The Governor decried the situation where those who claim to be leaders in Imo clandestinely support and even fund insecurity in the State with the attendant killing of innocent people, all in the name of politics.

Governor Uzodimma did not round off his remarks without reeling out palliatives, including cash, for all the 305 electoral wards to enable Party faithful have joyous Yuletide.

He also assured them of the security of their lives and property during the period.

Speaking on behalf of their other colleagues who joined the APC, Chief Okewulonu (Okigwe Zone), Chief Nnaji (Orlu zone) and Rt Hon Okere(Owerri zone) said they were majorly attracted to the Party by the examplery leadership Governor Uzodimma has shown in Imo, and more importantly, by his superlative performance in office.

They described Governor Uzodimma as a powerful political magnet whom they are proud to share in his accomplishments, not just in Imo, but at the national level.

They commited to join other well meaning members of the Party to value to the APC in the interest of all.

They thanked the Governor and the leadership of APC in Imo for welcoming them with open hands and promised not to let them down.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Imo APC Chairman, Dr. Macdonald Ebere, admonished the fresh members to come into Party with their whole heart.

He reminded them that they took the best decision to join the APC, insisting that when one joins the Party is irrelevant because what members bring to the table is cherished more than when they became members.

The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief COC Akaolisa, Members of the expanded Executive Council and other political appointees witnessed the defection.

Others who witnessed the occasion include the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Chike Olemgbe with his serving and former members as well as stalwarts of the Party such as former Imo APC Chairman, Chief Marcellinus Nlemigbo, Chief Tony Chukwu, Chief Lemmy Akakem, Chief Beneth Nwokojobi, among others.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor
December 20, 2024.
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PHOTO: R:L: Imo APC Chairman, Macdonald Ebere, Governor Hope Uzodimma, Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, her husband, Chukwuma and others, listen to the former Chief of Staff to Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Chief Chris Okewulonu (left) address Party members on behalf of other PDP and LP defectors to the ruling APC in Owerri…Friday

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