Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Criticizes Tinubu’s Economic Reforms as Benefiting Only the Elite

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, has criticized the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming they primarily benefit a select group of individuals.

Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu’s government has implemented significant economic changes, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira. Despite these reforms, which the President has vowed to uphold, Rhodes-Vivour argued that they have resulted in widespread hardship for most Nigerians.

In an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour stated that the majority of citizens are struggling, with over 70% of their income going toward transportation and food, leaving little room for other necessities like housing. He also criticized what he described as a culture of wastefulness and extravagance, pointing out the stark contrast between the elite’s lavish lifestyles and the suffering of ordinary people.

He questioned the benefits of the reforms, saying, “The only people that seem to be benefiting from these reforms are maybe the bankers, government officials, and the President’s friends.” He further challenged, “How many Nigerians can say they are benefitting from any reform right now?”

The removal of the fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira have led to soaring inflation, exacerbating the financial struggles of the average Nigerian.