African Democratic Congress Chieftain Criticizes President Tinubu’s New Year Message
President Bola Tinubu’s New Year address to Nigerians has drawn criticism from Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress. Okonkwo appeared on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ program, where he expressed disappointment with the president’s remarks. He stated that the government’s inability to deliver on its promises is evident, and the president’s message was an admission of failure.
According to Okonkwo, President Tinubu’s claim that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth is misleading, given that his administration has been in power for nearly three years. Okonkwo also disputed the president’s assertion that inflation has decreased to 15%, citing his own experience with a significant increase in flight ticket prices. He claimed that the cost of a flight from Abuja to Enugu has risen from N57,000 to N250,000, representing a more than 500% increase.
Okonkwo described the president’s inflation figure as a “white lie” and expressed concern that the government is manipulating economic data. He also referenced the cultural significance of honesty on New Year’s Day, suggesting that the president’s message sets a negative tone for the rest of the year. Okonkwo’s comments reflect the ongoing debate about the accuracy of Nigeria’s economic statistics and the government’s handling of the economy.
The exchange highlights the challenges facing President Tinubu’s administration, including high inflation and slow economic growth. As the year progresses, the government will likely face increasing scrutiny over its economic policies and the accuracy of its data. The administration’s ability to address these concerns will be crucial in restoring public trust and achieving its economic goals. With the president’s message sparking controversy, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to criticism and work towards improving the country’s economic situation.
