A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adetokunbo Pearse, has faulted President Bola Tinubu over his recent assurance that Nigeria’s economic hardship will soon ease, describing the statement as “reckless and deceptive.”
Speaking during an interview on Arise News as part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary reflections, Pearse said the President’s optimism did not reflect the harsh realities citizens 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.
Naijaonpoint reports that the PDP chieftain accused the President of offering “false comfort” to struggling Nigerians as inflation, unemployment, and insecurity continue to worsen.
He said Tinubu’s administration has failed to provide a clear economic direction, arguing that his policies have deepened poverty instead of providing relief.
“Leaders must be honest about the challenges the nation is facing. You can’t give people false hope when the suffering is increasing,” Pearse warned.
Pearse further argued that Nigeria’s major problems are rooted in the 1999 Constitution, which he described as an illegitimate and military-imposed document.
“The 1999 Constitution is a fabrication of the military. It does not represent democracy or development,” he said.
He explained that the document, adopted at the return to civilian rule, has stifled economic growth, limited state development, and concentrated too much power in the hands of the Federal Government.
“For 26 years, it has restrained economic growth and left states unable to develop their resources,” he said, adding that Nigeria cannot move forward under the current political structure.
The PDP chieftain urged the Federal Government to revisit the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, saying another round of expensive constitutional dialogue was unnecessary.
“We don’t need another conference. What we need is political will to implement the 2014 recommendations,” Pearse stated.
He called for true federalism that allows states to control their natural resources and manage their affairs independently.
“We must devolve power to the states. Let them develop their human and material resources without begging the federal government for permission,” he said.
According to him, the present constitution “keeps all major minerals on the exclusive list controlled by Abuja,” preventing states from pursuing economic growth.
Pearse also raised concerns about the worsening security situation across the country, warning that Nigeria is gradually drifting toward state failure.
“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,” he lamented.
He maintained that only a system that empowers states with greater autonomy could restore proper governance and accountability.
Pearse concluded that Nigeria’s independence remains incomplete until it breaks away from what he termed disguised military rule.
“True independence and progress will only come when we return to a system that gives states more autonomy,” he said.
According to him, restructuring remains the only path to stability, sustainable growth, and lasting peace.
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