Former Spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Kola Ologbondiyan has criticised the Bola Tinubu administration for removing the fuel subsidy and floating the naira, saying both decisions have brought the country to its knees.
Ologbodiyan who spoke as a special guest on Channels TV on Monday, said Tinubu would have embarked on phased removal of petrol subsidy, and then provide palliatives such as reducing fare on public transportation rather than subsidised rice for the masses.
His stance followed the meeting of the PDP governors over the weekend, where they called on President Tinubu to reform the economy.
They postponed the National Executive Council meeting until February 2025.
“Basically, I as Kola Ologbodiyan, subscribe to the ideas as laid down by the original founders of the party.
“For instance, let’s take the issue of the removal of subsidy, because what has brought Nigeria to its knees has been these two major decisions made by President Bola Tinubu, particularly on the subsidy and removal of the naira.
“But under the PDP leadership in the time past- I am aware that what we had was a phased subsidy removal, which also came with palliatives. The APC has said Nigerians should go and buy rice at N40,000 per bag. But the needs of Nigerians go beyond rice. So, I believe the policies could also be better if we have a public transport system where you and I won’t have to drive our vehicles at a subsidised rate.
“But the unfortunate thing as we are witnessing today is that we are paying lip service, even as PDP to engaging the sitting government on its reforms, to put forward alternatives.
The removal of petrol subsidy has seen prices of Premium Motor Spirit rise from an average of N189 per litre shortly after President Tinubu took over office in May 2023, to above N1000 per litre recently.
On reforms called for by the PDP governors during their meeting over the weekend, Ologbodiyan cited the issue of tax reforms which is being championed by the party.
“I know they have championed the issue of tax reforms. However, largely, you and I know that the situation of the economy is very depressing. Most people as we speak cannot even afford to feed”.
Chairman of the forum and governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed in his remarks at the opening of the meeting on Saturday, restated the party’s commitment to providing good governance to the people through the elected governors under the party.
He emphasised the PDP’s unity and its position as an unbreakable political party offering Nigerians hope and good governance.
“We are here on the Plateau, and Governor Mutfwang has shown us that Plateau is indeed a melting pot where everyone is welcome.
“The PDP remains an indivisible party. Despite minor hiccups, we are united with all organs and leaders of the party. We will continue to work together to provide Nigerians with opportunities for better governance,” Mohammed affirmed.
