Amanze Chinonye
Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and infrastructure programme against criticism from Nigerians in Atlanta, who questioned whether the policies had improved living conditions, Prime Business Africa reports.
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Speaking at a meeting with members of the Nigerian community in Georgia, Onyeme attributed negative perceptions of the federal government partly to misinformation and disinformation on social media.
He described Tinubu’s eight-point Renewed Hope agenda as transformative, arguing that its policies were laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and improved governance.
“There is no Nigerian leader that even comes close to President Tinubu in terms of achievement, in making tough choices that will set the country apart, now and in the near future,” Onyeme said, citing his experience as a professional accountant in support of his assessment.
His remarks drew objections from community leaders who pointed to the high cost of living, insecurity and poor road conditions as evidence that the administration had yet to deliver sufficient benefits to ordinary Nigerians.
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Raymond Ekuerhare, a businessperson and community leader in Atlanta, cited the Benin-Asaba, Ore-Benin, Benin-Warri and Warri-Ughelli-Bomadi roads as examples of persistent infrastructure problems. He questioned the practical impact of the government’s development agenda on citizens’ daily lives.
Emeka Chimekwene, another Delta community leader, raised concerns about transparency in public procurement, alleging that contracts involving the Chagoury Group had been awarded without competitive bidding. He also questioned the administration’s record amid persistent economic hardship and inflation.
Chimekwene said development initiatives under Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori were more readily verifiable to Nigerians who regularly visited the state.
Onyeme argued that federal reforms were enabling states to pursue their development programmes. He cited the removal of the petrol subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, tax changes and electricity-sector reforms as measures intended to strengthen public finances, improve market efficiency and attract investment.
He also highlighted the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling on local government financial autonomy, describing it as a significant step towards fiscal federalism. He said direct funding for local councils would strengthen their capacity to provide basic services, including roads, primary healthcare, education and sanitation.
On infrastructure, Onyeme cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road as examples of the administration’s development programme. Chimekwene countered that several projects remained at an early stage of construction. Onyeme acknowledged concerns about implementation but attributed delays partly to the technology used in road construction.
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The exchange highlighted differing assessments of the administration’s performance, with Onyeme emphasising structural reforms and long-term economic prospects while his critics focused on their effects on household welfare, security and infrastructure.
Onyeme maintained that the difficulties associated with the reforms were temporary and urged Nigerians abroad to challenge what he described as misleading accounts of developments in the country.
The meeting was hosted by Collins Odinjor and his wife, Alero. Former Nigeria international footballer Samson Siasia and other community leaders and professionals attended, while Ndidi Ogwu moderated the question-and-answer session.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
