Tinubu’s Deceptive Assurances Amid Worsening Economy

A leading member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adetokunbo Pearse, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent remarks on the state of the economy. In an interview with Arise News, Pearse called the president’s claim that “the worst is over” reckless and irresponsible, given the prevailing economic hardship in Nigeria. Speaking on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, he argued that Tinubu’s statement does not reflect the daily realities faced by Nigerians and that the president’s reassurances are deceptive, while the nation’s problems continue to worsen.

Pearse noted that the government has been making similar promises for a long time without delivering tangible results. He stressed the need for constitutional reform, describing the 1999 Constitution as a major obstacle to development. According to him, the document—imposed by the military—concentrates excessive power in the federal government, hindering economic growth and weakening security. He argued that the constitution has restrained economic development for 26 years, leaving states unable to harness their resources effectively.

Advocating for the implementation of the recommendations from the 2014 National Conference, Pearse believes devolving power to the states would promote autonomy and spur progress. He also warned that Nigeria’s security situation is deteriorating, warning that the country is drifting toward a failed state. The absence of state police, he said, allows terrorists to control many parts of the country.

In Pearse’s view, true independence and progress can only be achieved when Nigeria adopts a system that grants states more autonomy and ends the perceived disguised military rule. By revisiting the constitution and implementing past agreements, he believes Nigeria can address its challenges and embark on a path toward sustainable development and growth. The call for constitutional reform and greater state autonomy underscores the need for a more decentralized system of governance in Nigeria.