The Conference of United Political Parties, CUPP, has blasted President Bola Tinubu, saying his speeches which have so far not been matched with corresponding action are pushing more Nigerians into excruciating poverty.

The National Secretary of the CUPP, Peter Ameh, stated this in response to the President’s New Year Day nationwide address on Wednesday.

According to him, 2024 was a very harsh year for most Nigerians because of the impulsive decisions taken by the government.

Ameh stated that when the President said he had dealt with corruption there were no facts to support the assertion.

“Let’s look at the corruption perception index, Nigeria ranks 143rd out of 149 countries.

“The President promised to ensure we till more land for agriculture annually to reduce food inflation, well that has not happened.

“It’s all been talk and more talk no action. This has pushed poverty to 56 per cent of our population; roughly 129 million of our citizens are today living below the poverty line.

“I also heard Mr President give an example of his friend who could no longer put fuel in his Rolls Royce or something and is now driving a Honda, but has he given a thought to those who used to drive Honda, Camry and other low fuel consumption vehicles?

“With his single pronouncement of the removal of subsidies, the cost of public transportation jumped by 300 per cent.

“The cost of debt service jumped from N87 trillion to over N130 trillion under his watch,” he said.

While speaking on the Presidential plan to float a company to reduce inflation, Ameh said it was another ploy to increase administrative bottlenecks into the process.

He added that there were existing agencies and parastatals that could handle such matters.

He said it was just like the Ministry of Livestock Development when there was already a Ministry of Agriculture.

The CUPP National Secretary said food inflation was currently at about 80 percent, adding that it could be brought down substantially if the right actions were taken.

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