A member of the All Progressives Congress, Kassim Afegbua, has declared that Nigeria’s challenges stem from an “attitudinal deficit” among its citizens, rather than a fundamental failure of the nation itself.
He disclosed this while criticising the opposition, accusing them of grandstanding without offering tangible alternative solutions to national issues.
Speaking on the Arise TV Morning Show on Saturday, Afegbua did not mince words when discussing the current political landscape.
He expressed little surprise at the opposition’s perceived lack of constructive engagement, stating that “typical of Nigerian opposition, they know how to grandstand, but address the critical issue based on alternative viewpoints, it becomes a problem for them.
“Still searching for their alternative policy formation, in terms of even suggestions or ideas that can help deepen the conversation around governance in this country.”
Afegbua also took the opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu for his “bold decision” to immediately remove the fuel subsidy upon assuming office.
He drew a sharp contrast with opposition figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, who, he claimed, campaigned on the promise of subsidy removal but “never meant it.”
According to Afegbua, Tinubu’s swift action to confront the subsidy issue head-on was a strategic move to tackle difficult decisions upfront.
He argued that any delay would have allowed “economic predators and buccaneers who were feasting on the subsidy” to derail the entire process.
The APC chieftain then challenged politicians and aspiring leaders to diligently scrutinise how increased allocations are being utilised by state governments following the subsidy removal.
“I want a position, you know, politicians and those who are prepared to think that they want to come and preside over the country, to be interrogating the resources that are coming to the states, because we now have more allocation being given to the state,” Afegbua stated.
He emphasised the need for transparency and collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to ensure these funds translate into improved lives for ordinary citizens.
Highlighting the broader societal responsibility, Afegbua dismissed the notion of national failure, instead pointing to a deeper internal issue.
“You know, the problem that somebody was discussing with me today and said Nigeria has failed. I said, No, it is not the country that has failed. It is Nigerians who are in the country, because there is, see, we need a serious attitudinal reorientation of minds amongst us.”
He urged the opposition and other stakeholders to engage in “constructive criticism, constructive engagement, and collective bargaining” rather than blanket condemnation, asserting that such positive contributions would “add value to what the government is doing.”
Afegbua also pointed to the emergence of CNG and electric vehicles, as well as deepening infrastructure in road and rail transportation, as positive outcomes of the subsidy removal, envisioning a better future for Nigerians as these initiatives materialise.
