Sule Lamido accuses Tinubu of lacking transparency, echoes criticism of Buhari’s administration

Former Governor of Jigawa State and prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to provide Nigerians with a transparent account of the nation’s state under his administration.

Speaking during an interview on the BBC Hausa Service program Gane Mini Hanya on Saturday night, Lamido also criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari for employing similar tactics during his tenure.

Addressing the economic challenges plaguing the country since Tinubu assumed office, Lamido claimed that both the current administration and its predecessor have prioritized propaganda over truth, a stark contrast to what he described as the transparency of the PDP era.

Lamido accused both Buhari and Tinubu of using deception as a tool for governance.

“Buhari and Tinubu’s governments are not being transparent with Nigerians, unlike during the time when the PDP was in power where everything was transparent and open to all Nigerians,” he said.

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He argued that the lack of openness has exacerbated the country’s economic difficulties, leaving Nigerians to bear the brunt of policies shrouded in ambiguity.

Lamido pointed to what he called a “propaganda-driven” style of governance, stating, “With the coming of Buhari, deception and propaganda became tools for running the government.”

Lamido specifically criticized Tinubu’s frequent loan requests and questioned the logic behind the nation’s 2024 budget. According to him, the government’s explanation of its fiscal strategy does not align with its actions.

“If Nigerians are being told the truth, then there is nothing wrong with that. But how would you budget N30 trillion, generate N50 trillion, and then request a loan when you have a surplus of N20 trillion?” Lamido asked, expressing frustration over what he called “recklessness and selfishness.”

He lamented the administration’s approach to fiscal management, calling it unprecedented and unsustainable. “This recklessness and clear-cut selfishness is not done anywhere in the world, but yet you find some Nigerians supporting it,” Lamido added.

The former governor also highlighted the growing criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on social media. He noted that the ruling party has been widely referred to as a “calamity” by many Nigerians online, yet some continue to defend its actions.

Lamido’s remarks come amid widespread public discontent over rising inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and other economic reforms introduced under Tinubu’s administration.

In his critique, Lamido underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, urging the Tinubu administration to prioritize the interests of Nigerians by providing a truthful account of the nation’s affairs.

The PDP stalwart’s comments add to the growing scrutiny faced by the APC-led government as the nation grapples with economic hardships and increasing public dissatisfaction.