A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adetokunbo Pearse, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as unguaranteed tomorrow over his economic policies.
Pearse, who spoke on Arise News to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, stressed that Tinubu’s recent statement that “the worst is over” was “reckless and irresponsible,” considering the tough realities Nigerians face daily.
“Tinubu is playing games with Nigerians, telling us everything will be okay tomorrow. We have been hearing that for a long time, but things are only getting worse. We are not solving our problems.” he said.
He added that the president cannot succeed in rebuilding Nigeria unless he replaces the 1999 Constitution, which he described as a product of military rule.
Pearse argued that Nigeria’s challenges stem from an “illegitimate 1999 Constitution,” which he described as a “military-imposed document” that has hindered growth, weakened security, and concentrated too much power in the hands of the federal government.
“The 1999 Constitution is a fabrication of the military. It does not represent democracy or development,” the politician stated.
“For 26 years, it has restrained economic growth and left states unable to develop their resources.”
He urged the federal government to revisit the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, stressing that Nigeria does not need another expensive confab but the political will to implement past agreements.
“We must devolve power to the states. Let them develop their human and material resources without begging the federal government for permission,” he said.
“This constitution keeps all major minerals in an exclusive list controlled by Abuja, and that’s why our economy is not growing.”
He also raised the alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security situation saying the country is gradually drifting into a failed state.
“Many parts of Nigeria are controlled by terrorists. If you cannot even go into your own community to control it because we don’t have state police, then anything can happen to anybody at any time.”
