Nollywood veteran and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s claim that Nigerians are benefiting from the removal of fuel subsidies, insisting that citizens have gained nothing from the policy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s political programme, Political Paradigm, on Tuesday, Okonkwo described the president’s Independence Day broadcast as “propaganda” rather than a message of truth or hope.
‘Tinubu’s Speech Was Full of Propaganda’
When asked what stood out in the president’s address, the actor-turned-politician said many Nigerians no longer look forward to such speeches because they do not reflect reality.
“Let’s first of all agree that it’s a truism that not just the young ones but nobody looked forward to President Tinubu’s speech,” Okonkwo said.
“I listened to it because I’m a public affairs analyst. People will question me on it, otherwise, I would not have listened to it. And why would people listen to propaganda?”
He accused the president of misleading Nigerians by claiming that the removal of fuel subsidies had brought benefits to citizens.
‘We Are Paying More, Not Benefitting’
“The president said Nigerians are benefiting from the subsidy removal. That’s a lie,” Okonkwo stated.
“I was paying ₦195 per litre and now paying ₦1,000 for the same thing, and you said I’m benefitting? This is a typical lie. Nigerians have gained nothing from fuel subsidy removal and the government’s borrowings.”
Okonkwo, who is also a member of the Labour Party, argued that the administration has failed to cushion the economic impact of subsidy removal, adding that most citizens are struggling with skyrocketing prices and a higher cost of living.
He called on the federal government to take responsibility and implement genuine economic reforms that prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.