Regional Groups Divided Over President Tinubu’s New Year Promises

Numerous regional organizations, political parties, and politicians expressed differing views on President Bola Tinubu’s New Year message, where he outlined objectives for 2025, including commitments to reduce food and drug prices and bring inflation down to 15% from the current 36.4%.

This discourse involved statements from prominent groups such as the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ijaw National Congress (INC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Afenifere socio-political group.

The YCE supported Tinubu’s message as a beacon of hope, emphasizing that the President’s intentions could lay a foundation for a prosperous future for Nigerians if effectively implemented.

YCE Secretary, Chief Oladipo Oyewole, described the message as addressing critical needs of the populace.

In contrast, PANDEF criticized the message, highlighting that it neglects pressing issues in the Niger Delta, particularly the ecological devastation caused by oil companies and insecurity affecting farmers due to herdsmen.

Their spokesperson, Dr. Christopher Ominimini, argued that lowering food prices is futile without resolving the region’s agricultural challenges.

The NNPP expressed cautious optimism about Tinubu’s goals but urged concrete actions to fulfill his promises. INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, acknowledged the President’s recognition of past suffering but stressed the need for addressing crucial issues like corruption and governance inefficiencies to achieve the lofty goals proclaimed.

Afenifere pointed out that the administration’s misconceptions of economic policies have perpetuated hardships and called for more authentic, pro-people measures instead of unfulfilled promises.

They noted that previous economic initiatives had failed to stabilize food prices, leading to skepticism about the new commitments.

Additional comments from political figures reflected a mix of support and criticism, with some aligning with Tinubu’s ambitious goals while others questioned their feasibility and demanded more detailed plans for implementation.