back to top

Tinubu faults Buhari’s austerity measures, canvasses economic stimulus

THE national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu has urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to immediately put a stop to economic austerity measures and introduce economic stimulus.

Speaking at the 12th colloquium to mark his 69th birthday in Kano on Monday, Tinubu said the country must fine-tune its economic programmes.

“This is the time to put stimulus expenditure in place, this is no more time for austerity. This is no more time to constrain the economy, it is time to create opportunities,” he said.

He cited example of the recent stimulus package by the US government while taking a dig at Nigeria’s increasing unemployment rate under the present administration.

READ ALSORising clean energy demand offers Nigeria opportunity to exploit gas resources – Buhari

“Your own employment rate is 33 percent and you ask us to keep on fasting. The one we are fasting spiritually is voluntary. We have been fasting for so many years. I hope the National Assembly, I hope the president himself will not pay attention to austerity. It is only the state that must constrain itself and balance budget.”

He added that  it was only the federal government that had the sovereign power and must use it to improve the quality of life of Nigerians.




     

     

    Tinubu also called on the government to employ more youths into the security sector.

    “We are under-policed and are competing with armed robbers and bandits to recruit from the youths who are unemployed.

    “Don’t call them illiterates, anybody that can handle guns is capable of handling tractors in the farm. We can create the jobs.”

    Read Also:

    How IMF COVID-19 loan forced FG to increase pump price, electricity tariffs- Oxfam report

    He also identified with the youths, saying: “Surprisingly, when you see the social media today, you see the minds of our youths. They are angry, but we appeal to them that we will listen to them.”

    You can reach out to me on Twitter via: vincent_ufuoma

    Join the ICIR WhatsApp channel for in-depth reports on the economy, politics and governance, and investigative reports.

    Support the ICIR

    We invite you to support us to continue the work we do.

    Your support will strengthen journalism in Nigeria and help sustain our democracy.

    If you or someone you know has a lead, tip or personal experience about this report, our WhatsApp line is open and confidential for a conversation

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here


    Support the ICIR

    We need your support to produce excellent journalism at all times.

    -Advertisement-

    Recent

    - Advertisement