Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he describes as a lack of transparency regarding the true state of the country and the administration’s actions. A prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Lamido’s remarks came during his appearance on the BBC Hausa service program “Gane Mini Hanya.”
In his statements, Lamido drew parallels between the current administration and that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing both of prioritizing propaganda over honest communication with the Nigerian people. He lamented that, unlike the era of the PDP, where governance was marked by transparency, the recent administrations have resorted to deception as a governing tool.
“Buhari’s and Tinubu’s governments are not being transparent with Nigerians,” Lamido asserted. “During the PDP’s time in power, everything was clear and open to all Nigerians. Now, we face a different reality.”
Lamido specifically targeted President Tinubu’s recent requests for loans, questioning the rationale behind them. He pointed out the discrepancies in the government’s financial claims, stating, “If Nigerians are being told the truth, then there is nothing wrong with that. But how do you budget N30 trillion, generate N50 trillion, and then request loans when you have a surplus of N20 trillion?” His comments referenced last year’s budget, highlighting what he perceives as fiscal irresponsibility.
He further criticized the political climate, noting that despite widespread criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on social media—where they are often labeled a “calamity”—some Nigerians continue to support the administration. “This recklessness and clear-cut selfishness is not done anywhere in the world,” Lamido remarked, expressing disappointment in the current political discourse.
As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, Lamido’s comments underscore the growing concerns regarding transparency and accountability in governance, raising questions about the future direction of the country under Tinubu’s leadership.