The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to seek the counsel of former President Goodluck Jonathan to address Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis. The party’s appeal follows widespread public discontent sparked by recent fuel price hikes and mounting inflation.
This plea comes just days after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Organised Private Sector demanded that the government reverse the latest increase in fuel prices. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) recently raised the price of petrol to N1,030 per litre in Abuja from N897, and in Lagos from N868 to N998 per litre. Similar price hikes were recorded nationwide, with many Nigerians expressing outrage. This is the second increase in fuel prices in just one month, representing a 14.8% rise, or an additional N133 per litre, which has added to the country’s economic strain.
Dipo Olaoyoku, National Secretary of the NNPP, in an interview with *Sunday PUNCH*, criticized the Tinubu administration’s approach to handling the ongoing economic challenges. He expressed concerns that the government lacks the expertise and vision needed to guide Nigeria through these troubled times.
“As far as Nigeria is concerned, nothing shocks us anymore. This government has no iota of a solution to the country’s problems. When a government consistently opts for the easiest way out of a crisis, it means the nation is on a long and difficult journey,” Olaoyoku remarked.
Olaoyoku was particularly critical of Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies on his first day in office. He argued that the move was hasty, as the President did not fully understand the complexities of the subsidy program and its beneficiaries. He also pointed to the subsequent floating of the naira as a further blow to the economy, noting that Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel coupled with a weakened currency has exacerbated the country’s financial instability.
“This government is bereft of ideas. Unfortunately, if you look at the people he has appointed to key positions, you won’t find a competent one among them,” Olaoyoku added.
He did not hold back in his criticism of Tinubu’s leadership style, accusing the President of surrounding himself with political allies rather than seeking out competent technocrats who could provide effective solutions to Nigeria’s economic woes. According to Olaoyoku, this has led to a leadership that is ill-prepared to address the country’s challenges, resulting in worsening hardships for the average Nigerian.
“After surviving Buhari’s administration, Nigerians are now facing catastrophic hardships under this government, which has shown no compassion,” he said.
In a bold suggestion, Olaoyoku urged President Tinubu to seek the advice of former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he credited for maintaining a stable exchange rate during his tenure. Under Jonathan’s leadership, the naira-to-dollar exchange rate was kept steady at around N200, a stark contrast to the current free fall of the currency under Tinubu’s administration.
“Let them go and beg Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for advice on how he managed to stabilize the naira and maintain economic balance before the APC came into power,” Olaoyoku concluded.
