COALITION OF RENEWED HOPE REACTS TO NATIONAL FRONT-BURNER ISSUES

Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, Opposition Should Stop Playing Politics With Nigerians’ Pain

The Coalition of Renewed Hope has called on opposition political parties, labour leaders and other political actors to stop exploiting Nigeria’s security challenges, economic difficulties and personal tragedies for partisan advantage, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on rebuilding the country.

The Coalition, in a statement addressing several national issues, said Nigerians deserve responsible criticism, constructive opposition and practical solutions rather than what it described as political grandstanding, misinformation and the exploitation of national tragedies.

20 Prospective NYSC Members Abducted in Imo

The Coalition expressed deep concern over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State, sympathising with their families and loved ones.

It commended the security and intelligence agencies for the reported rescue of some of the victims and urged the authorities to sustain efforts to secure the safe release of those still in captivity.

The group also appealed to Nigerians to allow security agencies to conduct their operations professionally, warning that unnecessary pressure or disclosure of sensitive operational details could jeopardise rescue efforts.

The Coalition, however, condemned calls for President Tinubu’s resignation over the incident, describing such demands as politically irresponsible.

It questioned whether every elected leader should resign whenever a security incident occurs within his or her jurisdiction.

According to the group, insecurity predates the present administration and remains a national challenge requiring sustained intelligence gathering, modern technology, adequate funding, improved equipment, professional training and stronger inter-agency cooperation.

The Coalition said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated what it described as political will in confronting terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.

“At this critical moment, the victims and their families need solidarity, prayers and responsible action—not political opportunism or attempts to turn their pain into campaign material,” it said.

Shettima’s Economic Revelation: Tinubu Inherited a Nation Under Severe Pressure

The Coalition also backed Vice President Kashim Shettima’s assessment of the economic situation inherited by the Tinubu administration in May 2023.

It said the administration inherited severe fiscal and monetary pressures, foreign exchange challenges, substantial obligations, fuel subsidy costs and a fragile investment environment.

According to the group, President Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy and reform the foreign exchange regime were politically difficult but necessary steps towards addressing structural weaknesses in the economy.

The Coalition acknowledged that the reforms have imposed significant hardship on Nigerians but argued that the pains of reform should be distinguished from the long-term objective of creating a more sustainable economy.

It pointed to renewed activities in sectors including oil and gas, solid minerals, manufacturing and the capital market as signs of economic adjustment.

“The pains are temporary; the gains can become permanent if the reforms are sustained,” the Coalition said.

It urged Nigerians to assess the administration on measurable outcomes and the totality of its policies rather than isolated economic difficulties.

Amaechi and the Politics of Personal Tragedy

On former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi’s comments concerning the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death, the Coalition criticised what it described as the politicisation of a deeply personal tragedy.

The group said the death of an elderly parent should be treated with dignity and sensitivity and should not become a vehicle for partisan attacks.

It argued that public discussion should instead focus on the broader challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare system, elderly citizens and vulnerable families.

The Coalition also rejected what it described as “crocodile-tears politics” and urged political leaders to demonstrate maturity and responsibility when discussing sensitive personal matters.

NLC and the “Everybody Is an Enemy” Claim

The Coalition also rejected the assertion attributed to Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero that the Tinubu administration sees everybody as an enemy.

It described the claim as unfair and misleading, pointing to government interventions involving workers, students, young Nigerians and vulnerable citizens.

The Coalition cited the new national minimum wage, wage-related interventions, compressed natural gas initiatives, youth empowerment programmes, electric tricycles and the activities of NELFUND as examples of policies it said were targeted at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

It maintained that the administration considers Nigerian workers partners in national development rather than enemies.

The group nevertheless acknowledged the right of organised labour to criticise government policies, insisting that such criticism should be based on facts and constructive engagement.

“We believe the labour movement should remain independent, but independence must also come with fairness, objectivity and constructive engagement,” it said.

Peter Obi’s Zamfara and Borno Holiday Promise

Reacting to Peter Obi’s reported promise to spend his holidays in Zamfara and Borno if elected President in 2027, the Coalition dismissed the proposal as symbolic politics that does not address the fundamental causes of insecurity.

The group said Nigerians require more than presidential visits to conflict-affected communities.

“What Nigerians need is not a President who merely uses insecurity-ravaged areas for holiday visits and photo opportunities, but a President with the courage, capacity and political will to take tough decisions, strengthen the economy, adequately fund security and provide the necessary equipment and intelligence capabilities required to defeat criminal elements,” it said.

The Coalition challenged opposition candidates to present detailed and practical plans for tackling insecurity, unemployment, poverty, infrastructure deficits and economic hardship.

“Nigeria needs reforms, not drama; policies, not noise; and measurable results, not empty promises,” it said.

Femi Ojudu and What the Coalition Calls “Insolvent Politics”

The Coalition also took aim at former presidential adviser and veteran politician Femi Ojudu over his recent criticisms of the Tinubu administration.

The group questioned why Ojudu, in its view, did not express similar concerns during previous periods of intense economic and monetary difficulties, particularly under the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele.

It described Ojudu’s current interventions as politically inconsistent and accused him of attempting to gain public attention through sustained criticism of the administration.

The Coalition also referred to accounts attributed to civil society groups concerning Ojudu’s alleged role during the formation of the All Progressives Congress, while stressing that such claims should be properly substantiated rather than treated as established facts.

The group said Ojudu, as an elder and experienced Yoruba politician, should deploy his knowledge towards constructive national development.

“If he genuinely believes that he has valuable advice for a President whom he claims to know so well, there are more dignified and constructive channels through which such counsel can be offered,” the Coalition said.

It urged Ojudu to embrace statesmanship and constructive engagement rather than what it described as political grandstanding.

Tinubu Is On the Right Track

The Coalition maintained that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to its reform agenda despite the enormous challenges confronting the country.

It accused sections of the opposition of increasingly resorting to what it described as blackmail, misinformation and the politicisation of virtually every national development, including tragedies that should ordinarily attract collective sympathy.

According to the group, President Tinubu should be judged fairly on the totality of his policies, reforms, achievements and measurable outcomes.

“Mr. President has made a commitment to Nigerians, is working hard and remains determined to succeed where others before him faced enormous difficulties,” the Coalition said.

The group called on Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda while demanding constructive engagement and accountability from the administration.

It also urged opposition parties, labour organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to place national interest above partisan considerations.

“Criticism is an essential component of democracy, but such criticism must be responsible, factual and solution-driven.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. At this critical juncture, what the nation requires is unity of purpose, responsible citizenship and collective determination to build a stronger, more prosperous and secure country for present and future generations.”