FROM MATTHIAS OGBAGAH, WARRI

Former Vice Chairman of Ughelli North local government area, Delta State, Ambassador Hon. Chief Paul Okogu (JP) in Ughelli, recently lambast President Ahmed Bola Tinubu fit the removal of fuel subsidy without proper arrangement to combat resultant effects.

Okogu, who expressed his deep concerns regarding the current state of affairs in Nigeria, particularly about the removal of fuel subsidy and government spending priorities said that the country has been facing escalating challenges since the abrupt withdrawal of the subsidy without adequate measures to cushion its effects.

According to him, the removal of fuel subsidies without adequate measures to cushion its effects and other issues were responsible for the nationwide protest tagged “#Endbadgovernance” across the country.

Okogu made the assertion recently while speaking to selected journalists in Delta State shortly after he bagged the 2024 Peace Ambassador Award of Amnesty International held in Ughelli, the administrative headquarters of Ughelli North local government area, Delta State.

He criticized the government for failing to consider the ripple effects of such a decision on the economy and the populace at large.

According to him, the removal of the subsidy has led to a sharp increase in prices across all sectors, making life more difficult for ordinary citizens.

” I think where the government got it wrong stems from the day of the pronouncement of the withdrawal of this subsidy. The President came out publicly to make that pronouncement without working out modalities to cushion the effect. That’s why the country is no longer at ease as we speak. Subsidy removal has affected virtually every segment of the economy.

“The result is bad government and this is why the people are calling for the head of President Bola Tinubu. So, we just pray that God will touch them and they will reverse most of these bad policies,” he added.

Ambassador Okogu, Further condemned the government’s extravagant spending practices, citing examples such as the allocation of one billion naira for the construction of a new house for the Vice President.

He questioned the logic behind such expenditures, especially when the country is already grappling with financial constraints and rising debt levels.

He argued that funds should be channeled towards essential sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education, rather than being wasted on unnecessary projects.

The Ambassador warned that the current economic situation, characterized by high inflation and a devalued currency, is unsustainable and called for a more prudent approach to governance and fiscal management.

He stressed the need for responsible borrowing to finance critical development projects that would benefit the entire nation.

Ambassador Okogu shed light on the growing discontent and frustration among Nigerians over the government’s handling of economic policies and resource allocation.

He said there was an urgent need for transparency, accountability, and strategic planning on the part of the government to address the pressing challenges facing the country.