- Philip Agbese, a member of the House of Representatives, has reacted to the open letter written to President Tinubu by former Sokoto governor Attahiru Bafarawa
- Agbese said Bafarawa misrepresented President Tinubus efforts, arguing that economic challenges were inherited and necessary reforms, like subsidy removal, are crucial for stability
- The lawmaker also countered Bafarawas security concerns, stating that Nigerias insecurity issues predate Tinubus administration
Philip Agbese Dismisses Bafarawas Open Letter, Defends Tinubus Economic ReformsSource: Facebook”The removal of fuel subsidies, for instance, was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary one.” Agbese said. “The subsidy regime had become a black hole of corruption, benefiting only a few while draining national resources that could have been channeled into infrastructure, education, and healthcare. By removing it, the President took a decisive step that previous administrations lacked the political will to take.”Security challenges pre-date Tinubu, Agbese saysInsecurity that has plagued Nigeria, from terrorism in the North-East to banditry in the North-West and IPOB insurgency in the South-East, did not begin under President Tinubu,” he stated.”The previous administration, despite its best efforts, struggled to fully contain these threats. No sincere observer of Nigerias governance landscape would dispute that the country was in dire straits when President Tinubu took office, he added.Tinubu committed to political inclusivity – AgbeseFor the record, no Nigerian democratic President in history has demonstrated as much commitment to inclusivity as President Tinubu,” the lawamker argued.”This is evident in his carefully assembled cabinet; a diverse representation of the country, not just in terms of geography, but in professional expertise and competence, he said.Philip Agbese Dismisses Bafarawas Open Letter, Defends Tinubus Economic ReformsSource: FacebookAbese dismisses one-party state allegationThe insinuation that he is now attempting to stifle the opposition is a contradiction that does not stand to reason. Tinubu himself rose to power through opposition politics. To suggest that he would now seek to undermine the very system he helped build is both ironic and unfounded, Agbese said.Agbese calls for constructive criticism”Rather than casting unnecessary aspersions, this is the time to rally behind the governments efforts to rebuild Nigeria. Constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be grounded in fairness and a recognition of the challenges at hand. If we truly desire a better Nigeria, we must be willing to endure short-term difficulties for long-term gains,” Agbese said.Nigerian lawmaker Agbese drags Gambaryan to court
