By Miracle Ogunde
A former PDP national Vice Chairman, Southwest zone, Chief Eddy Olafeso, says the country is sliding into oblivion under the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government.
According to him, the crisis trailing the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government is an indication that the government did not give a thought to the wellbeing of the citizens before announcing the policy.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with journalists recently, Osifeso, who is a member of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), stated that the APC government of eight years and two months, has done more harm than good to Nigeria.
“Despite the change of baton, we have not seen clearly any form of policy change that can bring about a better tomorrow for Nigeria. While people are deeply worried, if we don’t begin to scream at them, we are going to be led to the cul-de-sac that Buhari led us for the last eight years. And nothing would happen,” he said.
Speaking on the present administration, Osifeso expressed that President Tinubu failed to plan ahead of subsidy removal, as the effects have caused more hardships for Nigerians.
“Tinubu should have been able to do his home work and present to Nigerians, a more scientific approach to building a better economy and a better Nigeria. The last two months has been a very trying time for Nigeria. The exact way it was when Buhari took over in 2015.
“That is the reason we feel that these few months have actually shown us that it may be a very big winter for Nigeria under the Tinubu administration.” He said.
Assessing the aftermath of the management of the fuel subsidy removal by the Tinubu’s administration, Osifeso said “It is the absence of management that has thrown Nigeria into chaos. I live in Ondo State. The level of poverty has never been witnessed like this. You put the cart before the horse. You wiped out subsidy from the people and for the last 60 something days, you impoverished them.
“You imposed taxes on them, left, right and centre. You said you are closing the multi-window foreign exchange. And suddenly you see the death of the Naira and how it has impacted on our people. We are deeply concerned that this may not have a happy ending. And we were of the opinion that before a president will open his mouth and come up with a policy, there must be ways through which we can mitigate the effects of the policy on the people. Our people are left on a slide to oblivion.”
He continues, “The middle class is wiped out. And there is nothing to look on to. Very soon, children will be dropping out of school. In the end, it is the same promises, promises that were made in the last eight years, that will be the lot of the Nigerian people. We are very, very deeply worried. So, he put the cart before the horse. He never made any arrangement, at least in terms of supporting the people to overcome the very drastic and unplanned removal of fuel subsidy. Go round the country, there are all tales of woes. People trekking to work. People cannot buy food in the market. Families are going to bed without food. And yet we have a new government.
“And with the (President Tinubu’s) broadcast, there are the same rambling that we witnessed in last eight years. Before any of the policies enumerated (in the broadcast) came to fruition, they are also telling you until March 2024 or beyond. So, how do people survive this very moment. It is so sad they never thought about this before they removed the subsidy. It is like Nigerians have been left on their own.
“Government can no longer secure them or provide them the enabling environment, where individuals can be all that they want to be. The APC government has never changed at all.” He said.
When asked about what the future hold for his party, PDP, the former Vice Chairman maintains that “Our future is bright. It is the people’s party. No matter the immediate challenges and concern, we will rise above it.
“Let me tell you, we cannot do two things at the same time. What is critical and important now is prosecuting the perceived and the obvious. INEC dereliction during the election. And correct whatever damage they might have done to the process. And after the court, our party will seat down and begin to evaluate itself.
“There are many challenges facing us. But this party will always overcome,” he added.
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