Discussing the current administration, the National Secretary of Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ameh, sheds light on the intricacies of governance under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting concerns about mismanagement of public resources and lack of transparency.
One major issue raised is the allocation of funds to projects of questionable value while neglecting essential needs of the populace.
Ameh emphasizes the importance of prioritizing public interests over lavish spending, citing examples like extravagant purchases and lack of transparency in budget allocations.
He criticizes the insensitivity of the government’s spending amidst economic challenges faced by Nigerians, pointing out discrepancies in the president’s calls for austerity measures and the actual governance practices.
Ameh also questions the rationale behind certain government expenditures, such as the purchase of a new private jet, highlighting the lack of accountability and transparency in decision-making processes.
He underscores the need for a more responsible approach to governance, focusing on the well-being of the citizens and addressing pressing issues like inflation, fuel subsidies, and infrastructure development.
Regarding the president’s international trips to attract investors, Ameh stresses the importance of creating a conducive environment for investments by addressing security, infrastructure, and basic amenities.
Ameh emphasizes the necessity of localizing industries and providing essential services to attract genuine investors, pointing out the challenges faced by businesses in Nigeria due to security concerns and inadequate infrastructure.
He questions the effectiveness of the president’s foreign trips without addressing critical issues at home, advocating for a more strategic approach to economic development and investor attraction.
Ameh underscores the need for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture to address ongoing challenges and create a conducive environment for investments.
On the pricing of petroleum products from local refineries, Ameh calls for a free-market approach and urges the NNPC to focus on developing modern refineries to reduce costs for consumers.
He emphasizes the importance of eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and leveraging existing infrastructure to enhance the efficiency of the oil industry, advocating for policies that benefit the Nigerian populace and promote economic growth.
Ameh highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government policies, especially concerning pricing mechanisms for petroleum products and collaborations with private sector entities like the Dangote refinery.
Regarding the state of opposition parties in Nigeria, Ameh stresses the importance of a strong opposition to hold the ruling party accountable and ensure transparent governance.
He highlights the role of political parties in representing the interests of the public and emphasizes the need for parties to align with constitutional principles and public expectations to build trust and credibility.
Ameh advocates for a more robust opposition to prevent a one-party state scenario and promote democratic values through accountable and responsive governance.