Petrol price hike is heartless, will exacerbate poverty — Hon. Balogun Rotimi Olatunbosun

In this interview Gbenga Agunbiade discusses with PDP Chieftain and philanthropist, Hon. Balogun Rotimi Olatunbosun (BRO), the Chieftain’s candid thoughts on the Tinubu administration’s performance, recent petrol price hike, human rights, insecurity, and the need for a new constitution and restructuring…

Can you provide a comprehensive assessment of the Tinubu administration’s performance since taking office?

The Tinubu administration has been an unmitigated disaster, marked by unprecedented levels of corruption, cronyism, and a callous disregard for the welfare of Nigerians. The administration’s focus on enriching themselves and their allies has led to a decline in the standard of living for most Nigerians. Additionally, the government’s policies have been incoherent and ineffective, leading to a lack of direction and vision for the country.

The recent petrol price hike has sparked widespread outrage. Can you elaborate on your stance on this issue?

The latest petrol price hike is a heartless and cruel move, inflicted on already impoverished Nigerians who are struggling to survive. This decision will have far-reaching consequences, exacerbating poverty, inflation, and unemployment. It is unacceptable that the government would prioritise the interests of a few over the welfare of the majority. Furthermore, the government’s claim that the hike is necessary to fund infrastructure development is a blatant lie, as there is no transparency or accountability in the use of funds.

The government’s response to protests has been brutal, with protesters being charged with treason. How do you react to this?

Charging protesters with treason is a desperate attempt to silence dissenting voices and avoid accountability. This is a clear violation of human rights and an affront to democracy. The government should be protecting the rights of citizens, not suppressing them. Moreover, the use of force against peaceful protesters is a sign of weakness and a lack of leadership.

Insecurity has worsened under this administration, with terrorist attacks and banditry on the rise. What’s your assessment of the government’s handling of this issue?

Tinubu’s government has failed woefully in addressing insecurity, allowing terrorists and bandits to run amok. The government’s policies have emboldened these criminals, putting Nigerian lives at risk and causing untold suffering. It is unacceptable that the government has not taken decisive action to address this issue. Furthermore, the government’s reliance on military force alone, without addressing the root causes of insecurity, is a recipe for disaster.

What’s your take on the ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Lagos PDP?

The Lagos PDP reconciliation is a work in progress, and I commend the efforts of the party leaders to unite and strengthen our ranks. This is a crucial step towards building a formidable opposition that can bring about change in Lagos. However, more needs to be done to address the underlying issues that led to the crisis in the first place.

The Edo governorship election is underway, and Lagos local government elections are approaching. What message do you have for voters?

I urge voters in Edo and Lagos to reject the status quo and embrace a brighter future by casting their ballots for the PDP candidates. Our party offers a vision of hope, development, and people-centred governance, prioritising welfare and addressing the pressing issues of the state. It is crucial for voters to recognise the significance of this election in shaping the future of their states and participate actively in the electoral process. 

Moreover, I appeal to voters to be vigilant and aware of the attempts by the ruling party to manipulate the elections. They must demand transparency and fairness in the electoral process, ensuring that their voices are heard and their votes count. By doing so, we can work together to bring about positive change and build a brighter future for our people.

There are growing calls for a new constitution and restructuring. Do you support this?

Yes, a new constitution and restructuring are essential to undo the damage caused by Tinubu’s government. We need a more just and equitable system that prioritises the welfare of Nigerians and addresses the country’s structural flaws. Furthermore, a new constitution should enshrine the principles of federalism, democracy, and human rights.