PDP Urges Tinubu to Begin Economic Policy Review Amid Hunger Protests

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the nation regarding the ongoing economic crisis. The party also called for an immediate review of government policies that are adversely affecting Nigerians.

In a press statement released on Thursday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP pointed to the growing unrest and nationwide protests as a reaction to what it described as the government’s “arrogance” and “insensitivity” towards the people’s suffering.

The PDP emphasized that the protests could have been avoided if the All Progressives Congress (APC) had previously acted to address the economic issues and ease public hardship.

Referencing a statement from June 6, 2024, the PDP reiterated its warning to President Tinubu about the consequences of widespread hunger and destitution. The party also accused the APC of exacerbating the situation by allegedly hiring hoodlums to incite violence, thus justifying a crackdown on protesters.

The statement reads in part: “Nigerians can recall that the PDP on several occasions offered advice on the state of the economy to the APC government, the most recent being the PDP’s statement on June 6, 2024, wherein it urged that ‘President Tinubu should listen to the heartbeat of Nigerians. There is hunger and destitution in the land. The reaction of a hungry people is better imagined! Mr. President, please act now.’”

The PDP criticized policies such as the sudden increase in fuel prices and the arbitrary floating of the Naira, attributing them to the economic downturn. The party cited the effects of these policies, including a rise in the poverty rate, increased inflation, and the closure of businesses.

The statement also noted that while Nigerians struggle with the high cost of living, APC officials are allegedly engaging in corrupt practices and living luxuriously at the expense of the public.

The PDP called for President Tinubu to address the nation and announce major policy reviews, as well as to investigate the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for subsidies and palliatives.