Delta State Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, has sharply criticized the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC-led government, labeling them a “pathway to poverty” for Nigerians.

In a strongly-worded statement, Oborevwori attributed the country’s worsening poverty, hunger, and unemployment crisis to the administration’s economic decisions, particularly the removal of the petroleum subsidy and the floating of the Naira. He argued that while these policies were touted to bring benefits, they have instead triggered skyrocketing inflation and the Naira’s sharp devaluation.

The governor’s comments came in response to remarks by former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who praised Tinubu’s economic strategies during an APC event. Omo-Agege accused Oborevwori of financial mismanagement despite increased federal allocations to Delta State.

Countering these claims, Oborevwori questioned the value of higher allocations when inflation and economic hardship persist nationwide. He pointed to reports by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), which have highlighted the shortcomings of Tinubu’s policies. The governor noted that Nigeria now holds the unfortunate title of the poverty capital of the world, with over 130 million citizens living below the poverty line.

“Is this the model that Omo-Agege is recommending for Delta to copy?” Oborevwori asked. “A model that has unleashed economic hardship on the people?”

The governor reaffirmed that Delta State would not emulate the APC government’s economic approach, which he said has exacerbated the suffering of Nigerians.