A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of deceiving Nigerians with what he described as “empty promises” amid the worsening economic situation in the country.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Pearse said the President’s claim that “the worst is over” was “reckless and irresponsible,” especially at a time when millions of citizens are struggling to survive.
“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.
The PDP stalwart maintained that Tinubu cannot fix Nigeria’s challenges without first changing the 1999 Constitution, which he described as a “product of military rule.”
According to him, the constitution has concentrated too much power in the hands of the federal government, leaving states powerless and dependent.
“The 1999 Constitution is a fabrication of the military. It does not represent democracy or development,” he said. “For 26 years, it has restrained economic growth and left states unable to develop their resources.”
Pearse urged the federal government to revisit the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference instead of wasting public funds on another constitutional review. He stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on restructuring and true federalism.
“We must devolve power to the states. Let them develop their human and material resources without begging the federal government for permission,” he added. “This constitution keeps all major minerals in an exclusive list controlled by Abuja, and that’s why our economy is not growing.”
He also expressed deep concern over the nation’s deteriorating security situation, warning that Nigeria 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,” Pearse lamented.
However, it could be recalled that in September, the PDP had also faulted President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast, describing it as “disconnected from the realities Nigerians are facing.”
