The spokesman of Peter Obi Media Reach, Idris Zekeri Jr., has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, alleging that worsening economic conditions have pushed millions of Nigerians into hunger and poverty.
Speaking on the state of the nation, Zekeri claimed that about 35 million Nigerians are currently facing hunger, while an estimated 140 million citizens have been pushed into multidimensional poverty under the current administration.
According to him, attempts by government spokespersons to dismiss concerns over the country’s economic challenges are disappointing and fail to reflect the realities faced by many Nigerians.
“About 35 million Nigerians are facing hunger. This administration has also pushed about 140 million Nigerians into multidimensional poverty. For the President’s spokesperson to dismiss these legitimate concerns of Nigerians is deeply disappointing and unacceptable,” he said.
Zekeri also defended Peter Obi’s economic vision, stating that the former Labour Party presidential candidate remains committed to investing in human capital development and supporting small businesses as a pathway to national growth.
He argued that education remains a critical tool for economic empowerment, while criticizing the Federal Government’s student loan programme, NELFUND, describing it as a policy marked by contradictions.
“Peter Obi is already investing in Nigerians through education. A well-trained mind has no limit to what it can achieve. What this government is doing with NELFUND is giving with one hand and taking with the other. It is a government of utter confusion,” he stated.
On calls for President Tinubu’s resignation, Zekeri maintained that such demands are legitimate within a democratic system, arguing that elected leaders are accountable to the people who entrusted them with power.
“Nigerians are the employers, and the President works for the Nigerian people. If you are elected to serve the people and fail in the fundamental responsibilities of government, the irreducible minimum is to resign,” he said.
