In a critical appeal to the Federal Government on February 20, 2024, the All Progressives Congress State Assembly Forum (ASAF) has urged a cessation of the ongoing blame game and demanded concrete solutions to the escalating hardship plaguing Nigerians. This call to action comes in the wake of the APC’s denunciation of governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who have been vocal about the Federal Government’s responsibility to address the myriad of challenges facing the nation.
Fubara Dagogo, the ASAF Director General, articulated this sentiment in a statement following a convening in Ibadan, Oyo State. Dagogo’s message was a stark warning against the dire consequences of inaction, projecting Nigeria could soon be deemed a “complete death zone” due to acute shortages of food and other essentials if the government fails to intervene effectively.
Dagogo emphasized the government’s duty at all levels to ensure the welfare and security of its citizens, criticizing the current approach of mutual blame which neglects the suffering of the populace. He advocated for a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and PDP governors to devise and implement strategies that could offer a glimmer of hope to the distressed Nigerian people.
Highlighting the potential role of State Assemblies, Dagogo encouraged governors to leverage these legislative bodies to pass people-oriented policies that could alleviate the economic strains on their constituents. He posited that such measures would receive enthusiastic support from the assemblies, given their proximity to and empathy for the hardships faced by the people.
Dagogo’s discourse underscored an urgent need for governmental introspection and action, distancing from the “current trend of attacks, blames, and buck-passing” which has characterized the inter-governmental relations thus far. He implored both the federal and state governments to prioritize the development and execution of life-saving programs over political squabbling, to navigate the nation out of its current predicament.
Parallel to the ASAF’s admonitions, the PDP has reiterated its stance that President Tinubu is ill-equipped to navigate the country through its present challenges, attributing the worsening economic and security conditions directly to his administration’s incompetence. The PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, criticized the APC for deflecting blame onto opposition governors rather than addressing the fundamental flaws in national governance.
The opposition party pointed out that President Tinubu’s direct oversight of critical sectors such as security, petroleum resources, and national revenue management places the onus of the current crisis squarely on his shoulders. The PDP contends that the alleged incapacity of the Tinubu administration to stem corruption, manage the economy effectively, and ensure national security has led to widespread despair, evidenced by the surge in protests, agitations, and an alarming rate of suicides across the country.
In a damning critique, the PDP accused the APC and President Tinubu of prioritizing personal interests over national welfare, warning of the dire consequences of continued governance failure. It also highlighted the stark contrast in governance between APC and PDP states, noting that the latter are actively implementing projects and programs that foster development and provide relief to their citizens.
As the discourse unfolds, the call from ASAF and the PDP’s critique of the Tinubu administration present a clarion call for a reevaluation of governance strategies and a collective effort to address the pressing issues facing Nigeria. The emphasis remains on the necessity for swift, transparent, and effective government action to curb the spiral of hardship and restore the nation to a path of prosperity and security.
