A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent statement assuring Nigerians that the nation’s economic hardship would soon ease, describing the comment as “reckless, deceptive, and disconnected from reality.”
Speaking during an interview on Arise News as part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary reflections, Pearse said President Tinubu’s optimism did not align with the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
“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,” Pearse stated.
According to reports, Pearse accused the President of offering false comfort to citizens grappling with worsening inflation, unemployment, and insecurity. He argued that Tinubu’s policies have intensified poverty rather than bringing relief.
The PDP chieftain also blamed Nigeria’s continued economic stagnation on the 1999 Constitution, which he described as “an illegitimate, military-imposed document” that hinders true democracy and development.
“The 1999 Constitution is a fabrication of the military. It does not represent democracy or development,” Pearse asserted.
“For 26 years, it has restrained growth and left states unable to develop their human and material resources,” he said.
Pearse called on the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, insisting that convening another expensive constitutional dialogue would be unnecessary.
He further expressed concerns about Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, noting that several regions are under the control of terrorists due to the absence of state policing.
Concluding his remarks, Pearse stated that Nigeria’s independence remains incomplete until it breaks free from what he termed a “disguised military rule.”
“True independence and progress will only come when we restructure the country to give states more autonomy. Restructuring remains the only path to stability, sustainable growth, and lasting peace,” he said.
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