CUPP Criticizes President Tinubu’s New Year Speech, Accuses Him of Failing to Address Poverty and Inflation

The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s New Year Day speech, accusing him of failing to back his promises with meaningful actions, thereby worsening the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Peter Ameh, the National Secretary of CUPP, responded to the President’s nationwide address, claiming that 2024 was a particularly difficult year for Nigerians due to what he described as impulsive government decisions.

Ameh took issue with the President’s assertion that his administration had effectively tackled corruption, citing Nigeria’s ranking of 143rd out of 149 countries on the Corruption Perception Index as evidence that little had been done in this regard.

“Let’s look at the corruption perception index, Nigeria ranks 143rd out of 149 countries,” Ameh remarked, underscoring the failure to show tangible progress in curbing corruption despite the President’s claims.

The CUPP National Secretary also criticized the President’s promises regarding agriculture, particularly the pledge to increase land cultivation to reduce food inflation. Ameh contended that this had not materialized into any significant change and that, instead of tangible progress, Nigerians were facing heightened poverty levels.

“Poverty has risen to 56% of our population; roughly 129 million of our citizens are today living below the poverty line,” Ameh said. He argued that the government’s failure to deliver on agricultural promises and tackle inflation was directly contributing to the suffering of the population.

Ameh also addressed the President’s example about his friend’s shift from driving a Rolls Royce to a Honda, questioning whether the President had considered the plight of ordinary Nigerians who are struggling to afford basic transportation. The removal of fuel subsidies, which led to a 300% increase in the cost of public transport, was cited as a major contributor to the worsening economic situation.

“The cost of debt service has jumped from N87 trillion to over N130 trillion under his watch,” Ameh added, pointing to the government’s increasing reliance on borrowing.

Further criticizing the President’s economic plans, Ameh described the proposed creation of a new company aimed at reducing inflation as an unnecessary and bureaucratic move. He argued that existing agencies could handle such issues, citing the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development despite the existing Ministry of Agriculture as an example of government overreach.

Food inflation, which currently stands at around 80%, was another key concern. Ameh emphasized that the right measures could significantly lower inflation and ease the financial burden on Nigerians, but only if the government took action beyond speeches and promises.

CUPP’s criticism reflects growing frustration with the current administration’s inability to address the economic challenges that have pushed many Nigerians further into poverty.