By Aniefiok Christopher
A Peoples Democratic Party Chieftain in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has described the recent cancellation of military parade and match past across Nigerian primary and secondary schools as an indication of the systemic failure which the present All Progressives Congress led Federal Government is noted for.
Augustine Udoh, a trained Electrical Engineer in an exclusive chat with our correspondent yesterday, described the cancellation of the parade as the first he has witnessed since the country gained independence in 1960 and was a clear indication that all is not well with Nigeria.
The Federal Government had in a statement made through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation announced the cancellation of the yearly military parade usually carried out in marking Nigeria’s Independence from Britain since October 1, 1960.
“In 64 years after independence, the nation has, even during the military era, continuously marked her celebration with military parades until this year, indicating a downward trend of events, since the APC led Federal Government took over power in 2015” the PDP Chieftain hinted.
Engr Udoh, an entrepreneur, who has been so critical of the economic policies of the APC led Federal Government said Nigerians are being crushed under the weight of Tinubu’s economic reforms.
He accused the Federal Government of unleashing unprecedented hunger, poverty and mass unemployment on Nigerians and turning the country into the world’s poverty capital, despite campaign promises to give Nigerians a new lease of life.
According to him, the probable gains of Tinubu’s policies on petroleum subsidy removal and floating of the naira had been eclipsed by Naira devaluation and soaring inflation, claiming his policies have left Nigerians with hunger.
He described same as empty promises that have birthed unbearable hardship and hopelessness among the people.
‘‘APC’s promise of a new direction has crumbled like a pack of wood since the inception of the present government, leaving Nigerians with no other option than to crave for fresh air when next the country will be heading to the ballot,’’ he noted.
“Having held unto power for the past 10 years, APC lacks the magic wand to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria. So, I will plead with them to allow Nigerians the freedom to shop for and elect credible leaders that are prepared to turn around the nation’s economy” he demanded.
Speaking further, he said Nigerians are in dire need of fresh policies, with new idealogies, better than the palliative economy of the Tinubu led government, adding that the opposition are working towards producing a credible candidate that will match Tinubu in 2027.
He tongue lashed the Rt. Hon Aniekan Akpan PDP State Working Committee, particularly for romancing with Pastor Umo Eno who had since abandoned the party for the APC, adding that the embattled chairman is guilty of the purported allegations of anti-party activities in the state.
Aniekan Akpan, he said, must decide to stay to either lead the PDP to success in 2027 or better still form alliance with the APC and be shown the way out of the State EXCO.
Speaking on Pastor Umo Eno’s performance so far in Akwa Ibom State, Engr Udoh said the Governor started well while carrying the flag of the umbrella party in State, and that the people are watching and waiting for the promise of mega projects from the APC led Federal Government.
He called on the citizens to be ready to effect the necessary changes on the nation’s set of leaders in 2027 by exercising their franchise through ballots in the forthcoming general elections in the country.
