By Ken Afor
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has said that Nigeria was already facing significant challenges prior to President Bola Tinubu’s assumption of office on May 29, 2023.
According to Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the party’s founder, Tinubu was well aware of the country’s crisis situation before taking the helm.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday, May 30, Aniebonam noted that the President’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is a deliberate response to the nation’s pressing issues, aimed at addressing them comprehensively.
“The President is human and may have taken some wrong decisions, like removing the cankerworm of corruption-infested oil subsidy without first planning on cushioning the effects, but it will be good in the long run.
“Therefore, this is the time for all Nigerians to be more determined to work hard and make sacrifices for the good of our country,” he said.
The NNPP chieftain praised the efforts of President Tinubu and his cabinet, stating that they have made significant progress in stabilising the country, effectively transitioning Nigeria from a critical state to a more stable condition, where ongoing recovery efforts can continue to bear fruit.
“This simply means that there is hope for Nigeria’s greatness shortly,” Aniebonam said.
“Going forward, it is the belief of members of new NNPP that the greatness of Nigeria is in the hands of Nigerians.
“To achieve this objective, we must enhance productivity in the area of education, rule of law and order, science and technology, agriculture, industrialisation and avoidable acts of corruption and public disorder.
“Therefore, this is not the time to apportion blame in the name of opposition to whatever government does. Opposition must be responsible and constructive in all criticisms, with respect and patriotism.
“It is, therefore, a time to advise and encourage the President and leaderships of the Legislative Houses and Judiciary to continue to ensure that every of their actions is for the good of the general welfare of Nigerians.
“It is our firm belief that political patronage should be done in a manner that it does not affect the mantra of renewed hope for Nigeria,” Aniebonam added.
He emphasised the importance of appointing highly-competent individuals to key roles, crucial for implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda and realising a brighter future for Nigeria.
He also stressed the need for the President to prioritize the maintenance and upgrading of federal highways, aiming to significantly enhance road safety, reduce accidents, and combat criminal activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery.
