The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stark warning to President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria enters 2025, urging him to prioritize concrete action over rhetoric in addressing the nation’s escalating crises. The party’s statement, released by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, accuses the Tinubu administration of 18 months of empty promises and unsubstantiated claims while insecurity, economic hardship, and a deepening food crisis grip the nation. The PDP emphasizes the urgent need for immediate measures to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, who are bearing the brunt of these challenges in their daily lives. They demand a shift from symbolic gestures to tangible solutions, particularly in reducing fuel prices, combating widespread hunger, and ensuring the security of lives and property.
The PDP’s critique goes beyond a simple call for action; it indicts the Tinubu administration for what it perceives as pervasive corruption, deceit, and reckless spending. They accuse government officials of prioritizing their own luxury and self-enrichment while the majority of Nigerians struggle with poverty, hunger, and starvation. The party specifically calls for an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of over N25 trillion by APC leaders and officials, demanding accountability for the purported siphoning of public funds. They highlight the stark contrast between the opulent lifestyles of those in power and the desperate plight of ordinary citizens, further fueling public discontent.
Beyond economic mismanagement, the PDP also raises concerns about unresolved issues of state-backed violence and human rights abuses. They specifically mention the 2020 EndSARS killings, demanding acknowledgment and accountability for the loss of young Nigerian lives during the protests. The party characterizes the past 18 months as the most difficult period for Nigerians since the Civil War, citing instances of citizens resorting to desperate measures like suicide and seeking dangerous opportunities abroad due to the unbearable conditions at home. The PDP attributes this dire situation to the “anti-people policies” of the APC government, which they accuse of being unresponsive to appeals for policy review and insensitive to the suffering of the population.
The PDP’s statement serves as a comprehensive indictment of the Tinubu administration’s performance, encompassing economic mismanagement, insecurity, alleged corruption, and human rights concerns. They accuse the government of failing to address the root causes of these problems, instead focusing on superficial pronouncements and fabricated statistics. The party calls for a drastic change in approach, demanding concrete action and tangible results that directly impact the lives of Nigerians. They urge President Tinubu to use his New Year address not for further rhetoric, but to outline specific measures to alleviate the suffering of the people.
The demand for transparency and accountability is a recurring theme in the PDP’s statement. They call on President Tinubu to provide a detailed account of the funds generated from the removal of fuel subsidies, a policy that has significantly impacted the cost of living for Nigerians. They also urge him to demonstrate a genuine commitment to fighting corruption by initiating investigations into the alleged misappropriation of public funds and holding those responsible accountable. The PDP’s message underscores the importance of addressing these issues not only for the well-being of the citizens but also for the stability and legitimacy of the government.
Finally, while criticizing the government, the PDP also offers a message of hope to the Nigerian people. They encourage citizens to remain law-abiding and optimistic about the future, while also remaining vigilant in their defense of constitutional democracy and the rule of law. They emphasize the importance of demanding greater transparency and accountability from the government, urging citizens to actively participate in holding their leaders responsible. The PDP’s statement concludes with a call for unity and resilience, encouraging Nigerians to work together towards a better future despite the current challenges.
