Tinubu did not promise immediate solutions to Nigeria’s problems: Oshiomhole

Referring to the electorate, the lawmaker said, “They know they were not electing a magician. And nobody promised a magical solution.”

ADEFEMOLA AKINTADE • July 24, 2023

Bola Tinubu and Adams Oshiomhole

As Bola Tinubu’s nearly two-month-old administration continues to grapple with a fast-deteriorating economy, Adams Oshiomole, a legislator for Edo North Senatorial District, has asked Nigerians to be patient, saying the president was not a miracle worker who can magically transform the nation’s economy overnight.

On Channels TV Sunday night, Mr Oshiomole said he was aware of the promises his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), made to Nigerians while campaigning for Mr Tinubu. He noted that the APC, however, did not promise overnight change.

“You don’t need to give me an example. I know what we (APC) promised more than you, who was reporting it. Whatever you reported, we were the source,” Mr Oshiomole told the show’s anchor. “We did not promise a 24-hour solution. We did not promise miracles. We did not promise an overnight solution.”

Referring to the electorate, the lawmaker said, “They know they were not electing a magician. And nobody promised a magical solution.”

Mr Oshiomole dared those who desired to contest his statement to come forward with a document or proof that the APC promised an overnight solution.

“You show me any document that says in 48 hours, this will be done. In 14 days, this should be done. In 21 days, this should be done,” the former Edo state governor said with an air of confidence.

Since he took the oath of office on May 29, Mr Tinubu has taken brash decisions like suspending the governor of Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, chairman of anti-graft agency, Abdulrasheed Bawa and has thrown his full weight behind the fuel subsidy removal initiated by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

The subsidy removal jerked up the fuel pump price from N195 to N500 per litre and, recently N617, to the dismay of many impoverished citizens.

Although there have been talks of a possible review of the minimum wage, no concrete measure has been taken to soften the blow that the elimination of fuel subsidy will have on the average citizen. The inaction that has earned Mr Tinubu several knocks from critics.

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