ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigerian netizens have countered claims by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, regarding the supposed economic strides made in the first year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Many citizens have labeled the administration a failure, highlighting persistent issues of inflation, hunger, and insecurity.
Despite the SGF’s optimistic portrayal, the reality for many Nigerians remains one of increasing hardship and insecurity.
During a ministerial press briefing marking Tinubu’s first year in office, Akume stated, “Through prudent fiscal policies and strategic investments, the Nigerian economy has shown resilience and potential for growth.”
He added, “The government has implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilising our economy and fostering sustainable growth.
“Key among these is the introduction of policies that have attracted foreign 9investments, reduced inflation, and boosted job creation across various sectors.”
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However, netizens have countered these claims, using the hashtag #TinubuOneYearFailures on X (formerly Twitter). They pointed to worsening economic conditions, increased food prices, and escalating insecurity.
An X user, Stephen Osemwegie, highlighted the dire situation: “#TinubuOneYearOfFailures: Astronomic increase in inflation over 100 per cent increase in food prices. Insecurity astronomical increase; middle belt jihadist mass killings in Middle Belt Nigeria, Military personnel killings; Niger State over 30 soldiers killed, Delta State, etc. Abuja kidnapping astronomical increase.”
Another user, @EOlutimehin, sarcastically noted, “Indeed, he reduced inflation from 22.41 per cent that he met it to 33.69 per cent it now is,” while @OrokAbasifreke criticized, “All government appointees are just doing eye service to make Tinubu happy. Reduced inflation and Nigerians can barely feed themselves.”
@Girllie84 expressed disappointment, saying, “The promise of a better life under President Tinubu has not only been unmet but has spiralled into a period of significant hardship. In just one year, the economic conditions have worsened significantly. The purchasing power of the average Nigerian has plummeted. Basic needs, such as food, have become unaffordable for many; a bag of rice now costs more than the monthly minimum wage. #TinubuOneYearOfFailures!!!”
@Golden_Ikokwu pointed out, “We are still waiting for Tinubu to replicate ‘Lagos,’ develop the whole of Nigeria as he did ‘Lagos’ as his handlers claimed during the last election! Instead, Nigerians are presently groaning with hunger, unemployment, high cost of food and insecurity. #TinubuOneYearOfFailures”
@Iamigwekelvin tweeted, “Things working under Tinubu: poverty, hunger, corruption and high level of propaganda. #TinubuOneYearOfFailures,” while @jidennaofficial lamented, “Price of items I bought in the last one week under this #TinubuOneYearOfFailures compared to January last year under Buhari. These people are pulling me back to the trenches by fire by force. God abeg oo!”
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Market surveys by Peoples Gazette corroborated these sentiments, showing that food prices have increased nationwide by over 100 per cent since Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023.
Notable increases include rice rising to N65,000 per bag, flour to N50,000, beans to N62,000, garri to N40,000, semo to N13,200 from N6,000, 12kg cooking gas to N15,000, and a bag of sachet water to N620.
Economic experts and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have praised Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as bold moves.
However, these policies have also led to fuel prices soaring from N145 to N710 and the naira plummeting to N1500 to a dollar.
Recall that rising food prices and economic hardships have sparked protests in Niger, Osun, Oyo, and Lagos states.
In March, a government-owned warehouse in Abuja was raided and looted by residents, and in Suleja, Niger State, and Zaria, Kaduna State, trucks carrying food were attacked and looted.
On the issue of insecurity, Amnesty International reported that 1,336 people were killed in Plateau State alone in three months under Tinubu’s watch.
Gazette