Gbenga Hashim Says IBB Played ‘Recognizable Role’ In Devt Of Lagos, Places Him Above President Tinubu
A PDP presidential hopeful, Dr. Gbenga Hashim has sharply criticized the economic performance of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration claiming that Nigeria’s economy is weaker today than during previous administrations, including the Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan administrations.
He also said retired General Ibrahim Babangida played a recognizable role in the development of Lagos noting that he will place him above President Bola Tinubu, who served as governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.
A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com noted that Dr Gbenga Hashim, who said this while appearing on Channels Television’s programme on Wednesday, cited official economic data while arguing that Nigeria’s fiscal and monetary management over the past 10 years of APC Government has failed to keep pace with the country’s growth and population expansion needs.
‘GDP under Obasanjo was $267 billion. Under Jonathan, it grew to over $574billion in nominal terms. Today, under Tinubu, it has fallen to around $230 billion. This is a shocking regression for a nation with massive human and natural resources’ Dr Hashim said.
The PDP Presidential aspirant also highlighted the over devaluation of the Naira, stressing that the currency’s current exchange rate is far below levels justified by Nigeria’s economic fundamentals, contributing to a higher cost of living and weaker investor confidence.
Dr Hashim, who is also a global businessman, questioned President Tinubu’s legacy in Lagos, comparing it unfavorably with that of former military president, retired General Ibrahim Babangida.
‘IBB contributed more to Lagos development because he built the Third Mainland Bridge. If you remove the Third Mainland Bridge today, what’s left? Tinubu’s small bridge in Lekki which he tolled is nothing to 3rd mainland bridge that IBB built’ he said.
Dr Hashim also said the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) is not a viable alternative, claiming that many of its members are part of Nigeria’s ongoing economic and security challenges.
‘Apart from Peter Obi and probably Atiku Abubakar, others in ADC are mostly Buharist, who are accused of being part of the current problem’ he said.
Dr Hashim also challenged members of Tinubu’s economic management team to defend their record in a live debate, arguing that Nigerians deserve transparent explanations on GDP contraction, currency instability, inflation, and the government’s economic strategies.
‘It’s an open challenge, let their best hands, CBN Governor, Finance Minister, come out to a live public debate on the economy with me’ he said.
Arguing that Naira is over devalued, Dr Hashim emphasized that with daily oil production doubled from 900,000 barrels per day to 1,800,000, and fuel importation reduced due to increase in local production, Naira should see significant valuation not decrease in value relative to values in the Buhari yearsTeam@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
