Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Independence Day address, describing it as “empty”, “wishful” and disappointing.
Dalung made the comments on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, shortly after President Tinubu addressed Nigerians to mark the country’s 66th Independence anniversary. (Novex News)
The former minister said he expected the President’s national broadcast to provide Nigerians with a clearer account of what the administration had achieved since taking office in 2023.
He argued that the address should have placed greater emphasis on accountability and concrete results, while addressing challenges including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, hunger, agriculture and the wider economy. (Novex News)
President Tinubu, in his address, defended the economic reforms introduced by his administration, acknowledging that millions of Nigerians continued to face difficulties with the cost of food, education, healthcare and transportation.
He said some of the country’s economic problems had accumulated over several decades and could not be resolved within a single four-year term.
The President also pointed to what he described as progress under his administration, including economic growth, declining inflation from its peak, stronger foreign reserves, greater stability in the foreign exchange market and increased non-oil export revenue.
Tinubu further outlined plans to reduce the cost of living, increase agricultural production, expand industrial activity, create jobs and support young people and businesses. (Novex News)
But Dalung maintained that the speech did not adequately reflect the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians or provide the level of accountability he expected from the President.
His comments come amid continuing debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and the pace at which Nigerians are experiencing their benefits.
Nigeria marked 66 years of independence on Thursday, with President Tinubu urging citizens to remain committed to building a more prosperous and united country. (Novex News)
