By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP,) has noted with dismay that widespread corruption and mismanagement of resources, compounded by inconsistent public policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government has subjected majority of Nigerians into abject poverty, hindered economic development and discouraged foreign investment into the country.
These, according to the congress, are in addition to disparities in wealth distribution, limited access to education and healthcare services, as well as the inability of the government to unlock the country’s vast economic potentials.
The CUPP National Secretary, Chief Ameh Peter observed in a statement made available to New Nigerian, that addressing these challenges, requires sustained effort to strengthen institutions, promote transparency and accountability, invest in infrastructure, diversify the economy, and improve access to education and healthcare.
He expressed regrets that Nigeria indeed has vast economic potential, a large youthful population, vast natural resources, and a laying on a strategic location on the African continent, is facing various challenges that hinder its ability to realize its economic potential and improve the living standard of its citizens.
“Corruption is so pervasive in Nigeria that discourages foreign investment and hinders economic development. I am referring to corruption in public office by government officials who have been involved in massive stealing of public funds meant to benefit majority Nigerians”, CUPP Scribe frowned.
Chief Ameh Peter also noted that Nigeria has a poverty rate of 38.9%, and approximately 87 million Nigerians live below poverty line attributable to incompetent and clueless leaders who out of self-centeredness, greed and capitalist tendencies doesn’t care have to improve the living conditions of the downtrodden masses.
“Nigeria’s economic growth has been slow, and the country’s GDP per capita has been flat because successive government policies have failed to address the problems due to lack of foresight, corrupt tendencies, luxurious lifestyle of leaders and misplaced priorities”, he said.
Ameh cited example with the travel expenses of President Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Shettima of a whooping of over N8.64bn within the last three months, and the planned purchase of a new presidential aircraft worth billions of Dollars, admist false speeches about plans to cut public spending.
“The wasteful spending of those elected who oversee the ruining affairs the government is a major contributor to the endemic poverty in Nigeria and the president has turned deep ears about the plight of the suffering masses, occasioned by disastrous policies implementation such as the case of fuel subsidy removal catapulted by his government which has since it’s inception dragging people into untold hardships”, he concluded.
