Tinubu Rejects Austerity Measures, Asks FG To Fine-Tune Its Economic Programmes

The National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola
Tinubu, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the National
Assembly to immediately put a stop to austerity measures and
introduce stimulus expenditure.

Speaking at the 12th Colloquium to mark his 69th birthday, in
Kano, on Monday, he said the country must fine-tune its economic
programmes.

“This is the time to put stimulus expenditure in place, this is
no more time for austerity. This is no more time to constrain the
economy, it is time to create opportunities,” he said.

He cited example of the recent stimulus package by the US
government while taking a dig at Nigeria’s increasing unemployment
rate under the present administration.

“Your own employment rate is 33% and you ask us to keep on
fasting. The one we are fasting spiritually is voluntary. We have
been fasting for so many years. I hope the National Assembly, I
hope the president himself will not pay attention to austerity. It
is only the state that must constrain itself and balance
budget.”

He added that sovereignty is that of Nigeria and it is only the
federal government that has the sovereign power and must use it to
improve the quality of life of Nigerians.

Tinubu also called on the government to employ more youths into
the security sector.

“We are under policed and are competing with armed robbers and
bandits to recruit from the youths who are unemployed.

“Don’t call them illiterates, anybody that can handle guns is
capable of handling tractors in the farm. We can create the
jobs.”

He also identified with the youths, saying: “Surprisingly, when
you see the social media today, you see the minds of our youths.
They are angry, but we appeal to them that we will listen to
them.”

The National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola
Tinubu, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the National
Assembly to immediately put a stop to austerity measures and
introduce stimulus expenditure.

Speaking at the 12th Colloquium to mark his 69th birthday, in
Kano, on Monday, he said the country must fine-tune its economic
programmes.

“This is the time to put stimulus expenditure in place, this is
no more time for austerity. This is no more time to constrain the
economy, it is time to create opportunities,” he said.

He cited example of the recent stimulus package by the US
government while taking a dig at Nigeria’s increasing unemployment
rate under the present administration.

“Your own employment rate is 33% and you ask us to keep on
fasting. The one we are fasting spiritually is voluntary. We have
been fasting for so many years. I hope the National Assembly, I
hope the president himself will not pay attention to austerity. It
is only the state that must constrain itself and balance
budget.”

He added that sovereignty is that of Nigeria and it is only the
federal government that has the sovereign power and must use it to
improve the quality of life of Nigerians.

Tinubu also called on the government to employ more youths into
the security sector.

“We are under policed and are competing with armed robbers and
bandits to recruit from the youths who are unemployed.

“Don’t call them illiterates, anybody that can handle guns is
capable of handling tractors in the farm. We can create the
jobs.”

He also identified with the youths, saying: “Surprisingly, when
you see the social media today, you see the minds of our youths.
They are angry, but we appeal to them that we will listen to
them.”