A member of the House of Representatives from Benue State, Rep. Philip Agbese, in an open letter has carpeted the former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, over his criticism of the Tinubu, administration, asserting that the policies, and reforms of the federal government are transformative, and necessary for Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth.
Bafarawa had in an open letter to President Tinubu, criticized the administration’s handling of the economy, security, and alleged moves towards a one-party state.
However, responding to the ex-governor, Rep. Agbese, in his open letter titled: “Re: Open letter to His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria,” urged Bafarawa to adopt a more objective, and patriotic stance in assessing the Tinubu administration.
Rep. Agbese, while acknowledging Bafarawa’s decades of political experience, and service to Nigeria, faulted the former governor’s critique of the Tinubu administration as lacking fairness and objectivity.
He emphasized that Tinubu’s administration has prioritized inclusivity, competence, and national interest in its appointments and policies, thereby setting a new standard for governance in Nigeria.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to inclusivity, assembling a cabinet that reflects Nigeria’s diversity in geography, expertise, and competence,” Rep. Agbese stated.
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“This is a government that has broken from the past, by prioritizing capacity over blind loyalty or ethnic considerations.”
Addressing Bafarawa’s concerns about insecurity, Rep. Agbese noted that the security challenges facing Nigeria did not begin under President Tinubu’s administration.
He highlighted the administration’s efforts to revitalize the nation’s security architecture, including the appointment of new military, and intelligence chiefs, improved operational capabilities, and regional collaborations to combat cross-border criminal activities.
“It is disingenuous to expect President Tinubu to eradicate a decade-long security crisis in less than two years.
“Significant progress has been made, and Nigerians must exercise patience as these reforms take full effect,” the Benue House member surmised.
On the economy, Rep. Agbese defended the administration’s bold reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, and the restructuring of the foreign exchange system.
He described these decisions as necessary to address years of economic mismanagement and corruption.
“The subsidy regime was a black hole of corruption, benefiting only a few while draining national resources.
“President Tinubu took the difficult but necessary steps that previous administrations lacked the political will to take. Criticizing him for these tough choices is unfair and shortsighted,” he added.
Rep. Agbese also dismissed Bafarawa’s insinuation that President Tinubu is scheming to establish a one-party state, describing the claim as baseless, and contradictory to Tinubu’s democratic credentials.
“President Tinubu is a product of opposition politics, and has fought tirelessly for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria.
“To suggest that he would now seek to undermine the very system he helped build is both ironic and unfounded,” he stated.
The Benue lawmaker called on Bafarawa and other elder statesmen to support the government’s efforts to rebuild Nigeria, calling for constructive criticism grounded in fairness, and a recognition of the challenges at hand.
“Nigeria is on a path to full recovery, and while the journey may be difficult, the destination is worth the effort.
“President Tinubu is leading that recovery with bold and necessary reforms. It is time to support, not sabotage, these efforts,” the statement added.
