By Aaior K. Comfort

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s 64th Independence Day speech, asserting that it underscores the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) insensitivity to the challenges faced by Nigerians. In a statement released on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba described the speech as a “complete waste of time,” noting that it failed to address pressing economic and security issues afflicting the populace.

In his national broadcast, President Tinubu emphasized the urgent need for reform to secure progress and prosperity, cautioning against a continuation of ineffective practices that could lead to national collapse. He highlighted that since assuming office 16 months ago, his administration has focused on reforming the political economy and defense architecture in response to the country’s critical situation.

“We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on with business as usual and collapse,” Tinubu stated. He noted that his government has attracted over $30 billion in foreign direct investment and managed to maintain foreign reserves at $37 billion, despite previous debts.

However, the PDP dismissed the president’s claims, pointing out that the speech neglected to address the struggles of millions of Nigerians. The party expressed concerns about emerging totalitarianism, suggesting that a select few benefit at the expense of the broader population.

The PDP’s statement read: “The 64th Independence Day Speech by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is another lethargic and windy rhetoric of false performance claims and empty promises.” They criticized the administration for failing to respond to the economic hardships, unemployment, and hunger prevalent in the country, which have led to public protests.

Ologunagba found it shocking that the president’s speech did not acknowledge the severe issues of economic hardship and rising fuel prices, which significantly impact the nation’s economy. He urged Tinubu to engage with everyday Nigerians to understand their realities better, rather than relying on potentially misleading official statistics.

The PDP concluded that the failure of the speech to address the cries of Nigerians for relief from burdensome policies exemplifies the disconnect between the APC-led government and the populace, especially the youth.