Doyin Okupe, a prominent Nigerian politician and former presidential aide, has come to the defense of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amidst growing criticism of his administration's economic policies.
Speaking to reporters, Okupe described it as "wicked" and premature to judge Tinubu's performance at this stage, arguing that the nation’s situation could have been far worse without his interventions.
“People are not being fair to him. If not for the steps he has taken, the dollar could have skyrocketed to ₦17,000, and petrol could be as high as ₦4,000 per liter,” Okupe stated.
He attributed the current challenges to deep-rooted systemic issues inherited by Tinubu's government, emphasizing that recovery requires time and continued reform efforts.
Okupe also highlighted key measures implemented by Tinubu, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of the exchange rate, as necessary, albeit painful, steps toward stabilizing Nigeria's economy.
The remarks have sparked debate, with critics questioning the impact of Tinubu’s policies on the average Nigerian, while supporters see Okupe’s perspective as a reminder of the challenges involved in transforming a struggling economy.