In a scathing critique, Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has sharply criticized the speech delivered by President Bola Tinubu on Independence Day. Shaibu described the speech as insipid, uninspiring, and empty, claiming that it only serves to magnify the prevailing sense of hopelessness in the country.
Expressing his disappointment, Shaibu emphasized that Tinubu has not taken any measures to address important issues such as increasing the minimum wage. Instead, he accused Tinubu of exacerbating the economic situation by devaluing the naira and removing petrol subsidy, which in turn contributed to skyrocketing inflation.
Shaibu stated, “Many workers had hoped that the minimum wage would be announced on Independence Day. However, Tinubu’s response was to offer a mere allowance of N25,000 ($25) to the lowest-paid workers, but only for a temporary period of six months. This callous and unimaginative gesture is indicative of Tinubu’s lack of concern and dearth of fresh ideas.”
He further criticized Tinubu’s explanation for not increasing the minimum wage, accusing him of mismanaging economic policies and failing to implement effective measures to support exports after removing petrol subsidy. Shaibu argued that Tinubu’s incompetence was now forcing him to offer excuses for his missteps.
Pointing to the ongoing industrial action by organized labor, Shaibu claimed that it vindicated his assessment of Tinubu’s administration, highlighting how it has further alienated the average Nigerian.
“Tinubu, in advising the organized labor and Nigerians at large to be patient, simultaneously sought a court order to prevent them from going on strike. This pattern of behavior has become a trademark of the APC,” Shaibu added.
Shaibu went on to accuse Tinubu of instigating crises within labor unions affiliated with the NLC, particularly the NURTW, where his ally MC Oluomo and others have been consistently attacking the NLC. Shaibu cautioned Tinubu that money cannot buy everything, urging him to engage in honest negotiations with labor.
Moreover, Shaibu dismissed Tinubu’s promise to distribute palliatives to the poorest of the poor as a ploy to deceive desperate Nigerians. He cited the recent scandal at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s lack of readiness for governance and its focus on enriching party loyalists.
Shaibu revealed, “Media reports have exposed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Edu, for making fresh appointments into nonexistent offices and defunct World Bank projects.
“This includes the appointment of individuals with no expertise in humanitarian affairs to head different entities and programs under the ministry. It is clear that people are being appointed to nonexistent positions merely to share in the national cake. There is no genuine plan to distribute any palliatives. This type of deception is characteristic of the Bola Tinubu administration.
Regarding the removal of petrol subsidy, Shaibu expressed skepticism, stating that it is not a measure of success, but rather how the saved funds are utilized. He also criticized Tinubu for labeling himself an achiever for removing subsidy and for his previous opposition to subsidy removal during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
Shaibu pointed out, “Tinubu should be ashamed of himself for criticizing former presidents for retaining subsidies. This is the same man who referred to the petrol price increase in January 2012 as the ‘Jonathan tax’ when the subsidy was removed at that time.”
Furthermore, Shaibu accused Tinubu of making false claims about fairness in his appointments. He argued that Tinubu’s regional bias is apparent in his key appointments, emphasizing that he has rewarded his kinsmen with important positions.
“Tinubu’s assertion that he has been fair to all segments of Nigeria is as false as his claim of being the first African leader to ring the NASDAQ bell,” Shaibu stated. “He appointed only five statutory ministers from the southeast because they did not vote for him, while appointing 10 from his own region.
“Additionally, he has placed almost all key revenue-generating agencies in the hands of his kinsmen, including customs, FIRS, and the CBN. For now, the NNPC remains the only exception that is outside the control of the southwest,” he concluded.
