Nigerian Ex-Governor Condemns President’s Lavish Spending Amid Economic Crisis

Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River State in Nigeria, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for buying a new presidential jet and yacht while the country is grappling with its worst economic crisis since independence.

In an interview on the socio-political program "Inside Sources with Laolu Akande" on Channels Television, Duke said it was a failure of leadership for the President to prioritize such luxuries over the welfare of the Nigerian people. He compared the situation to a family head who fails to provide for their children’s basic needs while living lavishly themselves.

Duke, who governed the South-South state between 1999 and 2007, pointed to the recent #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests as evidence that the President has not been a good father to Nigerians. He emphasized that a protest is like children coming to tell their parent that they are unhappy with the lack of provision and support.

The former governor also criticized the President’s economic policies, specifically the floating of the currency, which he deemed a mistake. He attributed the largest pressure on the Nigerian currency to the importation of fuel, which is fueled by corruption. Duke urged the President to rethink his policies and address the economy with local indigenous solutions, rather than relying on the Bretton Woods system.

Duke’s comments have sparked debate in Nigeria, with many calling for accountability and responsible leadership during these challenging economic times.