John Alechenu

ABUJA

The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has said President Bola Tinubu’s speeches which have so far not been matched with corresponding action are pushing more Nigerians into excruciating poverty.

National Secretary of the CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh said this in response to questions on the President’s New Year Day nationwide address yesterday.

Ameh said, “2024 was a very harsh year for most Nigerians because of the impulsive decisions taken by the government.

“You can’t even hide it anymore, when the President says he has dealt with corruption there are no facts to support this assertion.
“Let’s look at the corruption perception index, Nigeria ranks 143rd out of 149 countries.

“The President promised to ensure we till more land for agriculture annually to reduce food inflation, well that has not happened.

“It’s all been talk and more talk no action this has pushed poverty to 56 per cent of our population roughly 129 million of our citizens are today living below the poverty line.

“I also heard Mr President give an example of his friend who could not longer put fuel in his Rolls Royce or something and is now driving a Honda, but has he given a thought to those who used to drive Honda, Camry and other low fuel consumption vehicles?

“With his single pronouncement of the removal of subsidies, the cost of public transportation jumped by 300 per cent.

“The cost of debt service jumped from N87 trillion to over N130 trillion under his watch.

On the Presidential plan to float a company to reduce inflation, Ameh said, “This is simply another ploy to increase administrative bottlenecks into the process.

“We have existing agencies and parastatals that can handle such matters. What is required is to strengthen them to deliver.

“This is just like the Ministry of Livestock Development when we have the Ministry of Agriculture.

“Food inflation is currently at about 80 percent this can be brought down substantially if the right actions are taken.”