Okupe commended Tinubu for recognising the rights of the Nigerian youths and indeed all citizens in general to protest.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, Doyin Okupe, has spoken in defence of President Bola Tinubu who came under criticism over his Sunday morning address to the nation on the nationwide protests against hunger.
“President Bola Tinubu’s speech has not disappointed Nigerians in that for the first time, the president clearly stated the daunting economic situation his administration met on ground at inception,” Mr Okupe told NAN.
“He also amplified the strenuous efforts made by his government to reduce the prevailing crippling and stagnating debt servicing ratio from 97 per cent of earned revenue to 68 per cent.
“In truth, this has been the major cause of our present economic woes and sufferings.
“It is now self-evident that if the fuel subsidy was not removed, it would have been impossible for the government to function.
“And the government will not be able to meet its obligations, without continuing the profligacy of massive and sustained borrowing to fund the subsequent national budgets.”
According to him, the speech highlighted to Nigerians’ delight, the giant and commendable strides of achievements already accomplished by this administration within 14 months of its existence.
He talked about Tinubu’s implementation and commitment of more than N45 billion to the students loan scheme and the raising of the national oil production capacity to more than 1.6 million barrels per day.
Okupe also highlighted the massive funding of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which, he said, were the engine of economic growth of any country.
He commended the president for the provision of billions of Naira directly targeted at relieving the current hardship on the poor as well as the massive funding of various youths developmental programmes and projects.
READ ALSO:
NUJ condemns harassment of journalists covering protests, demands apology
Okupe also applauded the Federal Government for the huge investment deployed toward infrastructure and agriculture.
He said: “It is also worthy to note from the speech the government’s commitment to reduce the prevailing high cost of living and also bring down the food inflation.
“This is through the temporary massive importation of foods and removal of tariffs and other import duties on foods, drugs and medical supplies, amongst others, for the next six months.
“I personally believe that this administration’s scorecard or performance compares very well if not better than those of many administrations before it.”
He said that the increased amount of funds that Tinubu’s administration had directly made available to the states and local governments must make Nigerians to look beyond the Federal Government.
Okupe said that Nigerians must make the sub-nationalities to be more accountable for the huge sum of revenue inflow they receive from the federation account and other Federal Government intervention funds.
“It is pertinent that we recognise that the Federal Government revenue is shared with 49 per cent going to the Federal Government while approximately 48 per cent goes to the states and local governments leaving some three per cent for ecological funds and derivation,” he said.
Okupe commended Tinubu for recognising the rights of the Nigerian youths and indeed all citizens in general to protest.
He said: “It is also gratifying that the president publicly acknowledged that he has heard their demands loud and clear.
“I will therefore, with all humility enjoin our youths and the citizens at large to exercise patience and restraint and embrace the opportunity for dialogue which Mr President has offered.
“This long-awaited but endearing speech has rekindled our renewed hope for a brighter, better and prosperous future for all Nigerians.”
The protests, which began on Thursday, recorded violence and looting in Niger, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Abuja among others.
