TDF tackles ADC’s Ologbondiyan over Tinubu’s economic reforms
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TDF tackles ADC’s Ologbondiyan over Tinubu’s economic reforms
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Democratic Front has criticised an African Democratic Congress campaign spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, over his reported comments on Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s remarks about the Nigerian economy.
TDF, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, accused Ologbondiyan of overlooking the economic challenges Nigeria faced under the Peoples Democratic Party-led administration.
The group argued that the former PDP National Publicity Secretary should acknowledge the economic and security challenges confronting the country before the All Progressives Congress assumed power in 2015.
It said the PDP administration, which governed Nigeria for 16 years, left behind significant economic and infrastructural challenges.
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According to TDF, the economic difficulties of the period included unpaid salaries, weak infrastructure development and inadequate resources to address security threats.
The group said, “We are particularly surprised by the realisation that Mr Kola Ologbondiyan forgot so soon that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic rescue mission saved Nigeria from the accumulated consequences of the 16 years of misgovernance under the Peoples’ Democratic Party.”
TDF also accused Ologbondiyan and other opposition figures of attempting to shift responsibility for the country’s economic difficulties to the current administration.
It recalled that several state governments were struggling to pay workers’ salaries, emoluments and gratuities before the APC took over the Federal Government in May 2015.
The group attributed the difficulties to shortfalls in revenue allocations from the Federation Account.
It also criticised the former PDP administration over the management of the economy and the country’s response to the Boko Haram insurgency.
According to TDF, the government faced difficulties in procuring military equipment and providing adequate support for security personnel during the period.
The group further argued that Nigeria made insufficient progress in critical infrastructure, including roads, railways, waterways and other sectors.
It also faulted the previous administration for failing to establish an environment that encouraged the development of private refineries.
TDF, however, defended the record of the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, saying it made contributions to infrastructure development and the fight against terrorism despite economic challenges.
The group cited the collapse in global crude oil prices between 2015 and 2017 and the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as factors that complicated the government’s efforts.
It said the Buhari administration deserved recognition for its achievements in critical infrastructure and national security.
TDF also aligned itself with Shettima’s reported commendation of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy.
The group acknowledged that the subsidy removal had caused hardship for Nigerians but argued that the policy was necessary to address longstanding fiscal pressures.
It said the decision had helped create room for the government’s broader economic reforms and efforts to improve the country’s financial position.
The statement added that TDF believed the reforms would contribute to economic recovery and improved national prosperity if effectively implemented.
The group maintained that criticism of the current administration should take account of the economic challenges inherited from previous governments.
It urged political actors to assess government policies within the context of the country’s economic history rather than attribute all current difficulties to the Tinubu administration.
