In a stunning turn of events, Jesutega Onokpasa, a known loyalist of President Bola Tinubu, has publicly criticized the president’s economic policies, claiming they are causing confusion and worsening the hardship faced by Nigerians.
Onokpasa made the remarks during a heated interview on Arise TV, where he expressed his growing disillusionment with Tinubu’s administration.
When asked about President Tinubu’s policies, Onokpasa did not hold back, stating, “Asiwaju is actually confusing us with his policies. You form a government, and things are increasing, and there is economic hardship.
“Our citizens hardly have food to eat. What was our plan? We massively produce food for Nigerians. But now they buy cars for N250m, wear wristwatches for N200m, and can’t take tractors to villages.”
Onokpasa’s comments reveal deep frustration with the administration’s handling of the country’s economic challenges.
According to him, the government’s focus on luxury items and ostentatious spending contrasts sharply with the dire needs of ordinary Nigerians, who are struggling with food insecurity and other necessities.
The two individuals President Tinubu appointed to the Ministry of Agriculture, according to Onokpasa, have failed to address the country’s food production challenges.
“There is no plan, nothing. Those 2 guys he put in the Ministry of Agriculture have no plan to feed Nigerians or feed anybody, perhaps other than themselves. In fact, it’s a disgrace, and I don’t trust President Tinubu anymore,” Onokpasa declared.
In an unexpected move, Onokpasa emphasized that his loss of trust in President Tinubu was a decisive factor in his decision to withdraw his support for the president’s administration come 2027 presidential election.
“So is it in the second term that he will take us seriously? We are not going to support him,” he concluded.
The interview marks a significant departure from Onokpasa’s previous public backing of the president, underscoring the growing dissent within Tinubu’s political circle.
His statements have sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning the effectiveness of the current government’s economic policies, especially as the nation grapples with rising inflation and persistent poverty.
Onokpasa’s bold remarks come at a time when the president’s economic strategy is under intense scrutiny, with many Nigerians calling for swift reforms to address the country’s deepening economic woes.
It remains to be seen how this latest criticism will impact the president’s standing among his supporters and the broader Nigerian public.