Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has commented on the current government's approach to alleviating citizens' suffering under President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV's The Morning Show programme, he pointed out that the government has allocated 570 billion naira and distributed trucks of rice to state governments as quick-win palliatives.
These measures, he said, are intended to provide immediate relief to the population.
Oshiomhole contrasted this approach with his experience during his tenure as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He noted that Obasanjo never distributed rice or similar reliefs to the people during his time.
He emphasised that while the current government is taking steps to address immediate needs, substantial and long-term change requires time and cannot be achieved overnight.
He also clarified that during his time as NLC President, his protests were not aimed at toppling the government but were focused on addressing specific policy issues.
Oshiomhole said, "If the President acknowledged that there is hunger, who are you to deny it? So that is not the issue, and that is not the main reason behind this protest.
"And why do you think that President Tinubu resorted to giving the state government 570 billion naira for quick win palliative?
"In my days as NLC President, I don't know how many times Obasanjo (OBJ) went to buy rice to distribute (share) to Nigerians. He would rather say go and farm, which is the legitimate thing to do."
Watch the interview video here (start from 12:23).
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