Tinubu’s New Year Message Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Nigerians

By LMSINT MEDIA

President Tinubu’s New Year message has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria, with opposing views from APC, PDP, and other groups on his economic promises and policies for 2025.

President Bola Tinubu’s New Year address has generated mixed reactions across Nigeria, dividing opinions among political parties and prominent organizations. While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) praised the speech, describing it as a roadmap to economic recovery, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized it as disconnected and unresponsive to the hardships faced by Nigerians.

APC’s Optimism: “Tinubu Is Delivering on His Promises”

The APC’s National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, citing his ambitious goals for 2025. Tinubu promised to reduce inflation from 36.4% to 15% and lower food and drug prices through strategic measures.

Basiru highlighted the administration’s achievements, including efforts to revamp the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries and encourage local pharmaceutical production to make essential drugs more affordable. He urged critics to support the president’s vision for economic growth, stating, “The President is on the right track. Reducing inflation to 15% is achievable.”

PDP’s Criticism: “Disconnected From Nigerians’ Realities”

Conversely, the PDP described Tinubu’s address as lacking actionable solutions to Nigeria’s pressing problems. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, stated that the president failed to outline clear plans for sectors such as electricity, infrastructure, and job creation.

“The speech did not offer practical strategies to address the widespread hunger, unemployment, or high petroleum prices that have plagued Nigerians. It confirms the administration’s disconnection from the realities on the ground,” Ologunagba asserted.

CUPP and Afenifere Voice Concerns

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, also weighed in. CUPP National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, criticized the government for taking impulsive decisions in 2024, which he said pushed 56% of Nigerians below the poverty line.

Similarly, Afenifere urged the administration to shift from promises to actionable policies. “Inflation and poverty are worsened by subsidy removal and devaluation,” said Afenifere’s Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye. “We need pro-people economic strategies, not mere optimism.”

Diverse Opinions on Tinubu’s Economic Goals

Several political and public figures expressed mixed views:

Ondo APC’s Hon. Steve Otaloro: Supported Tinubu’s commitment to reducing inflation and addressing the rising costs of food and drugs.
Ondo PDP’s Hon. Kennedy Peretei: Criticized the speech, calling it a continuation of campaigning halfway into Tinubu’s tenure.
Public Analyst Lanre Ogunsuyi: Described the speech as falling short of public expectations, stating that asking citizens to endure more hardship is unsustainable.

Conclusion: A Divided Nation

President Tinubu’s New Year message has sparked diverse reactions, highlighting the divide between optimism for economic recovery and criticism of unmet expectations. With 2025 looming, Nigerians await the administration’s actions to address inflation, unemployment, and rising costs.