By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed disappointment that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is prioritising 2027 politics over the welfare and security of Nigerians.
The lawmakers labeled such approach as insensitive, unconscionable and a clear example of questionable leadership.
They also observed that while the president’s aspiration for re-election is legitimate, his priority should be to address the pressing challenges facing Nigerians.
A statement issued by the Caucus Leader, Afam Ogene, in Abuja, reiterated that the primary duty of government is to ensure the people’s welfare and their security.
They criticised the APC and President Tinubu for prioritising their 2027 reelection bid over these fundamental responsibilities.
The statement expressed concern that while the nation grapples with insecurity, the ruling party is either ignoring the issue or offering superficial solutions rather than addressing the problem effectively.
These concerns were raised amid escalating insecurity nationwide and the administration’s struggles to fund budgets and demonstrate accountability.
“The situation has led to prolonged protests by local contractors who remain unpaid for completed projects, sparking economic hardship, stalled development and a dearth of new projects,” the statement said.
The Labour Party representatives noted that the “Appropriation Act, a law governing budget allocation, has been consistently disregarded by the current administration.”
They pointed out the irony of government pursuing costly projects like the controversial multi-trillion naira coastal road without proper appropriation or procurement processes, while essential federal road infrastructure lies in disrepair. This has raised concerns among citizens, particularly those planning to travel during the festive season, who face not only difficult road conditions, but also heightened insecurity.
Also of grave concern is the opaque expenditure of N17.5 trillion in 2024 alone, on a pipeline-security contract, as revealed in the recently audited accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC.
“Nigerians would remember that over a 12-year period, the country spent about N18 trillion on subsidy(which benefitted everyone through affordable transportation and cheaper cost of foodstuffs), but on the excuse of lack of funds to sustain the subsidy regime, this administration has clearly robbed Peter(Nigerians) to pay Paul(cronies), through a questionable pipeline-security contract whose executors are unknown.”
This statement paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of its government.
“The executive is seen as underwhelming, the judiciary’s decisions are questioned and the legislature is criticised for not having the moral fiber to hold the executive accountable.
“Our dear country has become a special economic zone: everyone and everything now has a price. Kidnappers and bandits now have prices on the heads of the citizenry; elected officials now have a price to look the other way and opposition figures have prices to enthrone chaos in their own platforms. Even the clergy and ulamas are not spared the chicanery of the divisive effects of a gravely monetised polity.
“Pray, Nigerians, we are in the 12th month of the year. In fact, across government owned enterprises, ministries, departments,
and agencies, none can boast of 10 percent execution of the capital component of the budget. In most cases, the scorecard reads nil.
“Yet everyone carries on, as though this has become the new normal.
Worse is the glaring impunity of relevant officials not bothering to explain to anyone where revenues meant for the implementation of the budget have ‘disappeared’ to.
“Nigeria is on a negative cruise; local contractors occupying the offices of the Federal Ministry of Finance, retired police officers taking over the gates of the National Assembly, while kidnappers freely choose where to strike every single day, yet the only response by government is to launch and distribute vehicles for a purported Renewed Hope Agenda.
So, while the country sits on the precipice, all Mr. President thinks about is to return to power in 2027.
“Mr. President, while your quest is a legitimate aspiration, please do well to attend to the current stark realities confronting Nigerians.
Besides the parlous state of Nigerian roads – which now ensures that a hitherto six hours journey, from either Lagos or Abuja to the South South or South East, now takes an entire day to traverse – is the grim reality of possible kidnap which stares every road user in the face.
“Some lawmakers are reflecting on their roles and acknowledging that many are complicit, silenced by potential pecuniary gains. Many have described the 10th Assembly as the worst in Nigeria’s democratic history, reduced to puppetry and rubber-stamping, with no tangible benefits for citizens. They criticise the government for prioritising economic interests over citizens’ welfare, labeling it “economic banditry.
“We must not continue on this sorry path. Both the ruling party and opposition must put aside politics and prioritize the people’s welfare. Citizens are the backbone of democracy, and their interests should come above all else.”
