Onyebuchi Chukwu, a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, isn’t holding back his thoughts on the state of Nigeria. He boldly criticized the ruling party’s handling of the country’s economic crisis following the removal of the petrol subsidy. And let’s be real – who can disagree? The suffering that Nigerians are enduring daily is no small matter, and it’s only getting worse. The government’s promises and assurances seem more like empty words.
Why It Matters
Chukwu, who once served as Nigeria’s Minister of Health under President Goodluck Jonathan, didn’t joke when he appeared on “Inside Sources,” a socio-political show on Channels Television, hosted by Laolu Akande. According to him, 15 months after the subsidy removal, which has caused petrol prices to skyrocket from around N200 to over N1,000, the government has failed to provide any meaningful short- or medium-term solutions to alleviate the suffering of the people.
Let’s talk about it, The petrol subsidy can’t just be yanked away without a proper backup plan. Chukwu is urging the Bola Tinubu-led administration to take immediate action to manage this economic meltdown. According to him, it’s irresponsible to let things continue this way, with the government essentially telling Nigerians to hold on and wait for better days while they drown in hardship. His analogy is spot on , if a doctor told a patient writhing in pain to “wait for three months” without providing immediate relief, that patient would be out the door looking for real help.
What They Are saying
Chukwu said, “If the truth be said, as of now, we are not doing the right thing. Even as a doctor, if someone has a seemingly intractable problem, yes, you will give hope to the person but you must solve the problem. Someone is in pain and you are saying: ‘Don’t worry, in three months’ time…’ Are you crazy as a doctor? That person will leave you.
As a doctor, I know that there are immediate things that need to be done, medium-term things and long-term. Right now, people are suffering.
“I think we cannot just withdraw subsidy completely. No matter how we look at it. Even now, there is still subsidy.
“The truth is the major thing that brings us revenue is the oil and gas sector. It’s okay to say the President is the minister (of petroleum resources) but you must have things looked into thoroughly. It’s one place we’ve not gotten it right. It’s one place our leaders have not exercised that selflessness.”
“Right now, the oil and gas sector is very opaque. It shouldn’t be so,” he said, adding that oil theft allegedly perpetrated by security agents in conspiracy with some suspected government officials must be stopped.
Chukwu further criticized the current policing system in Nigeria, declaring that it has been overwhelmed and is incapable of addressing the country’s security challenges. From kidnapping to banditry, the security situation has spiraled out of control. In his view, state policing is not only necessary but also long overdue. He points out that centralized policing just isn’t cutting it anymore, and local communities need to take control of their own security. It’s the only way to bring about real change.
Of course, there are concerns that state governors might abuse the state policing system. But Chukwu quickly shuts down that argument by pointing out that the federal government has been guilty of abusing the current system, so what’s the difference? Everything in life has the potential for misuse, whether it’s police powers or even something like tramadol, a medication often abused. But does that mean we stop using it in hospitals? Of course not. The real question is, which option is better for us at this point?
Bottom Line
Chukwu’s remarks shine a light on the glaring failures of the current administration, particularly when it comes to the economy and security. While many within the APC remain tight-lipped or unwilling to admit the obvious, Chukwu’s candid assessment is refreshing and necessary.
