PDP says Buhari's Independence Day speech is a slap on Nigerians

Nigeria's main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has berated President Muhammadu Buhari over his Independence Day speech on Thursday, October 1, 2020.

A statement signed by the party's national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, described the economic assertions in the president's speech as a huge slap on the sensibilities of Nigerians.

The party said President Buhari’s attempt to justify the increase of fuel price in Nigeria by comparing it to the N168 per litre cost in Saudi Arabia is a morbid joke.

According to the opposition party, Saudi Arabia's minimum wage is N305,113 (3000 Saudi Riyals), unlike Nigeria's which is N30,000.

The party also said it is wrong for the president to compare Nigeria with Egypt where monthly average earning is around N222, 841 (9,200 EGP).

According to the PDP, the fuel price will not be more than N100 per litre if President Buhari had put in place good policies and revived the nation's refineries.

The opposition party charged the president to rebuild the economy by ending his borrowing spree and focusing on our productive capacity.

It also called the attention of the president to take proactive steps to address the nation's security challenges.

Meanwhile, some Nigerians who appear not too pleased with the president's have also poured their anger on the presidential aide, Tolu Ogunlesi.

Some are of the opinion that the speech did not do justice to the realities on ground and they blamed Ogunlesi who is President Buhari's aide on new media for it.

Others also noted that the president did not address issues in the education sector.

A Twitter user, @cremechic11, said: "Na wah for this kain Independence Day Speech. Was Buhari’s intention to spread Independence Day cheer and celebrations or to threaten us??"

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the PDP sent its congratulatory message to Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence.

In a tweet on the opposition party's verified Twitter handle, the PDP said the country is facing a lot of challenges.