LP Criticizes Tinubu Govt. Over Alleged ₦4.3 Trillion Wasted on Ineffective Palliatives

The Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticized the administration led by President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of squandering ₦4.3 trillion on palliatives and loans purportedly aimed at mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal, without tangible benefits reaching Nigerians.

In an interview with Punch, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, dismissed the government’s claims of providing relief through initiatives such as acquiring buses, boosting agriculture, and supporting small businesses. He pointed out that these efforts have not alleviated the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians, as evidenced by persistently high inflation rates, especially in essential food items.

Ifoh expressed skepticism about the transparency and effectiveness of the government’s spending, questioning whether the funds allocated for palliatives had genuinely reached those in need across the country. He criticized delays in addressing issues like the minimum wage, emphasizing that the proposed ₦62,000 monthly wage was inadequate in the current economic climate.

The LP spokesman also condemned what he described as misplaced priorities, citing the planned purchase of new presidential aircraft amidst economic challenges. He urged the administration to prioritize policies that would genuinely improve the lives of Nigerians and foster national stability.

“We are not criticizing for the sake of it; we are urging the government to urgently address these pressing issues before they exacerbate the hardships faced by Nigerians,” Ifoh concluded.