Ex-Reps Member ​‌‍​​​⁠‍⁠⁠‌‍​⁠‍‌​‌‍‌​Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Rejects Atiku’s Promise to Return Subsidy

A former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Oghene Egoh, has said that the  reforms of President Bola Tinubu have saved the country from economic collapse
Egoh ,who represented Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency ,said this in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos.
He was reacting to the promise made  by Alhaji Abubakar Atiku,Presidential Candidate of Africa Democratic Congress(ADC),to restore fuel subsidy,if elected.
The former lawmaker said the economy was in shambles before the election of Tinubu in 2023, adding reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, forex rates equalisation, and others, had helped to reposition it.
Egoh  said  while Atiku had the right to promote his agenda through his campaigns,such agenda must be realistic.
He argued that fuel subsidy removal had eliminated waste from the system and freed  resources for development.
Egoh said that the policy had contributed to the Federal Government’s efforts to address some outstanding financial obligations and support interventions across various sectors.
“The removal of fuel subsidy has helped to free resources for the government to meet important obligations and invest in critical sectors of the economy.
“Nigerians should consider the broader economic picture rather than looking at the policy in isolation,” he said.
Egoh said Atiku’s plan would  only take country back to the days of waste and corruption, urging citizens to reject the idea.
The ex- lawmaker decried what he called desperate attempts by Atiku  to pull down Tinubu with some of his campaign statements,urging him to focus on issues.
According to him, political leaders and aspirants should focus  policies and programmes capable of improving the lives of Nigerians rather than engaging in personal attacks.
“The 2027 election should be about ideas, facts and figures.
“Those aspiring to lead Nigeria should tell Nigerians what they intend to do differently instead of resorting to character assassination and the pull-him-down syndrome,” Egoh said.
Speaking other achievements of Tinubu, Egoh said that the Tinubu led administration had  introduced interventions in the education sector, including student support programmes, while increasing attention to infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and other areas.
He added that such investments are aimed at strengthening the country’s productive capacity and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
“The funds that were previously committed to subsidy is now be channelled towards education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and programmes that directly support the future of our young people,” he said.
He said that the establishment and expansion of student support initiatives would help more Nigerians gain access to tertiary education.
Egoh added that sustained investment in educational facilities and personnel would further strengthen the sector and reduce some of the challenges confronting students and institutions.
“Education is receiving greater attention, and the student support initiatives are important steps towards ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent qualified Nigerians from pursuing higher education,” he said.
The former lawmaker said that the  present administration’s economic reforms had restored confidence in the Nigerian economy, attracting local and foreign investments.
He urged Nigerians to assess the policies of the administration and the progress recorded in different sectors objectively.
“Economic reforms are often difficult at the beginning, but the objective is to build a stronger and more sustainable economy.
“We must judge every administration on facts and verifiable results,” he said.
Egoh said that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had provided a framework for the administration’s policies and programmes.
The former lawmaker advised Atiku and other opposition leaders to base their campaigns on policies and alternative programmes rather than allegations and personal attacks.
He said political competition should not degenerate into the spread of unverified claims capable of misleading the public.
“Atiku should present his programmes and tell Nigerians what he can offer.
“Campaigns should be based on facts and issues, not blackmail, rumours or attempts to damage the character of political opponents,” Egoh said.
He expressed confidence that the electorate would make its decision based on the performance of the Tinubu administration and the programmes presented by other candidates.
“I am confident that Nigerians will make an informed decision in 2027, and I believe President Tinubu will secure another mandate to continue the programmes of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Egoh said.