Abia State Governor Alex Otti has defended President Bola Tinubu‘s economic reforms, saying the hardship Nigerians are experiencing today is the result of years of poor economic decisions rather than the current administration’s policies.
Otti made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, during her visit to Abia State. According to him, the President showed courage by implementing difficult reforms that previous administrations avoided.
Otti praises Tinubu’s economic decisions
The governor urged the First Lady to convey his appreciation to President Tinubu for taking what he described as bold economic steps.
“So what you see that people interpret as hardship today is a fallout of previous bad behaviour,” Otti said.
He also praised the President for removing the fuel subsidy and allowing the naira to float, arguing that both decisions required political courage.
“I want you to please thank him. Thank him for his courage. Thank him for the sacrifices. Some people may not understand. It takes a man with courage to do what he did in 2023: remove petroleum subsidy and follow suit with the floating of the naira.”
Reforms increased funds for governments
Otti explained that ending the fuel subsidy and introducing a market-driven exchange rate released more money for the federal, state and local governments.
According to him, the reforms redirected resources that previously financed consumption toward development and public projects.
“What has that done? That has freed up a lot of funds that would have been used in financing consumption to do other things in the federal government, in the states, and in the local governments.”
He added that many state governments now have greater financial capacity to meet their obligations and invest in development projects.
“Today, a lot of states are not owing salaries. A lot of states are able to build infrastructure. A lot of states are able to empower people to produce rather than consume.”
Governor acknowledges hardship
Despite supporting the reforms, Otti admitted that the policies have placed significant pressure on many Nigerians.
However, he maintained that painful reforms often produce long-term economic benefits and expressed confidence that conditions would improve over time.
“Now, make no mistakes about it: every courageous decision, every courageous action has its own consequences, so if you remove subsidy and if you float the naira, it will take its toll, and over time the economy will begin to correct,” the governor said.
Read also: Otti: Abia aims to exit national grid, guarantee 24-hour electricity supply
