The founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing his best to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, but maintained that the true measure of the administration’s performance should be the standard of living of ordinary Nigerians.
Aniebonam disclosed this in an interview with worldswiftnews (WSN) spoke on the state of the nation, said although the Tinubu administration could point to economic reforms and other achievements, many Nigerians were still struggling with the impact of the current economic realities.
According to him, Nigerians have the right to complain about worsening living conditions because they are the ones directly experiencing the hardship.
“From the perspective of President Tinubu and the APC, they believe they are doing their best. But ultimately, the standard of living of Nigerians should be the basis for assessing the government.
Dr Boniface Aniebonam Founder New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP
“As far as most Nigerians are concerned, things are not going well, and they have every right to say so. Those of us outside government speak from a disadvantaged position because the government has access to information that we may not have,” he said.
Tinubu deserves credit for subsidy removal
The NNPP founder also commended Tinubu for taking the decision to remove the fuel subsidy, describing it as a courageous move that previous administrations had been unable to implement.
He, however, questioned how the funds saved from the subsidy removal were being utilised.
“If you want me to assess Tinubu, I would say that his courage to remove the oil subsidy is one of the things he deserves credit for. Many people could not take that decision.
“But the question is, what did you do, or what are you doing with the money realised from the subsidy removal?
“Overall, I think Tinubu is doing his best under the circumstances we find ourselves in,” Aniebonam stated.
‘Politicians make promises they may not fulfil’
Aniebonam blamed some of Nigeria’s political problems on the tendency of politicians to make ambitious promises during election campaigns without fully understanding the challenges awaiting them in government.
He cited promises concerning electricity as an example, arguing that some politicians only appreciate the complexity of governance after assuming office.
He said, “During campaigns, politicians say so many things because they want to win elective positions. They may say that within six months they will do this and that.
“But when they get into government, they see the problems and begin to explain the challenges they have inherited.”
Aniebonam attacks Kwankwaso over NNPP crisis
The NNPP founder also took aim at former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, accusing him of attempting to take control of the party after the 2023 general elections.
Aniebonam said Kwankwaso’s current political alignment with Peter Obi was inconsistent with his previous position during the 2023 election period.
He recalled that Kwankwaso had previously described Obi’s political structure as a “union” when attempts were made to bring opposition figures together.
“Today, the same Kwankwaso is working with Obi,” he said.
Aniebonam further alleged that Kwankwaso was attempting to hijack the NNPP, adding that the dispute over the party’s leadership had reached the courts.
“As I speak to you now, we are heading to the Supreme Court. He has left the NNPP and kept some people behind, while going from one court to another, trying to reverse the orders of the courts,” he alleged.
He questioned the propriety of such political manoeuvring by someone aspiring to lead Nigeria.
“This is the same person who wants to become President or Vice President of Nigeria. How do you explain that?” he asked.
‘Is Tinubu Nigeria’s only problem?’
Reacting to the emerging opposition coalition involving figures such as Peter Obi and Kwankwaso, Nyebon questioned the coalition’s strategy of focusing its campaign against Tinubu.
“They say they want to come together. My question is: to do what?” he asked.
He argued that Nigerians should look beyond the President and hold government officials responsible for the specific portfolios entrusted to them.
“Is Tinubu the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority? Is he the Comptroller-General of Customs? Is he the Director-General of NIMASA? Is he the Minister of Transportation or Aviation?
“The President has delegated functions. The people occupying these positions should be seen doing their jobs.”
According to him, the performance of the government is a collective responsibility involving ministers, heads of agencies and other officials appointed to implement government policies.
Insecurity: ‘Security is a collective responsibility’
On the persistent insecurity across the country, Nyebon said the responsibility for securing Nigeria should not be placed solely on President Tinubu.
He acknowledged that Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has the ultimate constitutional responsibility for national security, but said security agencies and their commanders must also be held accountable.
“Security matters are a collective responsibility. President Tinubu is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Is there anybody doubting that?
“But has the President not delegated his responsibilities and provided the necessary logistics? The thing is that we are just deceiving ourselves,” he said.
Aniebonam added that constantly changing security personnel could not, by itself, resolve the country’s security challenges.
“Even if he wants to change the personalities, how many people will he change at a time? He keeps changing, including within the military setup.
“The armed forces have undergone changes, but those entrusted with responsibilities must also do their jobs,” he added.
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