Wike Laments Bad Economy Under Tinubu, Says Poverty Worsening Insecurity
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has said that Bola Tinubu’s administration is actively engaged in enhancing the country’s economy to tackle poverty, a key contributor to insecurity.
Wike, speaking during a media session in Abuja on Monday, emphasized the interdependence of poverty and the economy, drawing a parallel with the link between poverty and criminal activities.
He said, “You cannot talk about poverty without talking about the economy. If the economy is good, it means a lot of things will function well and that will be able to reduce poverty.
“When the economy is working well, there will be a lot of employment creation. When the economy is good, businesses will thrive, and this is what the current government is trying to do.”
He elucidated that the government under Mr. Tinubu’s leadership is diligently working to revitalize the country’s economy, which has been in a dire state for an extended period. Emphasizing the significance of subsidy removal and other economic policies, he implored Nigerians to exercise patience, assuring them that these measures will ultimately lead to an enhanced economy and serve as a tangible solution to alleviate poverty.
Recognizing the correlation between poverty and the escalating insecurity in Abuja and various regions, the minister emphasized that poverty is not exclusive to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) alone.
He underscored the interconnectedness of the FCT’s economic well-being with the national economy, expressing the FCT Administration’s inability to effectively address poverty solely within the territory.
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While stating that decisions made by the FCTA would not solely impact the territory’s economy, he acknowledged the potential for the FCTA to invest in areas such as agricultural production, skill acquisition, and information and communication technology to generate employment opportunities.
However, he cautioned that the positive effects of these investments might not be immediately apparent.
“For me, the government is giving out palliatives to cushion the hardship being experienced due to fuel subsidy removal. We must understand where we are coming from because it is not going to be a miracle, but I want to assure you that the Federal Government is working hard to rebuild the economy,” he said.
The minister, however, cautioned against using poverty as an excuse to commit crime.
