The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians to use the Christmas period as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of love and unity. In a statement released on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party emphasized the importance of being each other’s keepers, particularly during these challenging times.
The PDP placed blame on the administration led by President Bola Tinubu for the prevailing hardship, difficulties, and uncertainties in the nation. The statement expressed the party’s concern that Nigerians are experiencing Christmas amidst hunger and misery due to what it described as the anti-people policies of the APC administration.
The statement read, “Our party is grieved that while families in other climes and nations are celebrating with joy, Nigerians are observing Christmas in hunger and misery because of the anti-people policies of the APC administration.”
The PDP accused the APC administration of neglecting the welfare of Nigerians, alleging that it has allowed the “mindless plundering and diversion” of national resources to fund the luxurious lifestyles of APC leaders, leaving ordinary citizens to endure severe hardships.
Highlighting specific concerns, the PDP criticized the deliberate increase in the pump price of fuel from N167 to over N700 per litre, the devaluation of the Naira leading to high costs, and the crippling of the productive sector with resulting job losses.
The opposition party expressed disappointment with the 2024 budget, asserting that it lacked concrete mechanisms to address issues such as the comatose manufacturing and productive sectors, human capital development, and decreasing life expectancy. Instead, the party claimed the budget favored provisions for the luxury preferences of APC leaders and their associates.
The PDP urged the National Assembly to stand on the side of the people by eliminating all allocations for luxury items in the budget and redirecting those funds to sectors directly impacting the well-being of Nigerians.
Despite the challenges, the party encouraged Nigerians not to succumb to despair. Instead, it called on citizens to use the Christmas occasion to offer prayers and renew their hope and trust in divine intervention for the nation.