Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as “a failure.” Speaking on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics on Tuesday, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour expressed deep concern over the worsening economic situation, claiming that Nigerians are experiencing the highest cost-of-living crisis in 40 years.
“This government ultimately has been a failure. When you talk about the quality of life, the cost of living, this is the highest cost of living crisis that Nigeria has faced in the last 40 years,” GRV said.
He stressed that despite promises of economic reforms, the Tinubu-led government has plunged millions into deeper poverty. According to him, Nigeria now ranks as the 10th poorest country in the world, a damning indictment of the administration’s handling of the economy. He argued that while citizens are urged to tighten their belts, government officials are engaging in extravagant spending, citing the ongoing renovation of the vice president’s residence as an example of misplaced priorities.
Security Collapse: Over 17,000 Lives Lost Nationwide
Beyond the economy, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour raised alarm over the country’s deteriorating security situation. He cited staggering figures of fatalities due to violence and insecurity, estimating that over 10,000 people have died in the North and another 7,000 in the South within the past year.
“You look at security: over 10,000 people have died in the North, and about 7,000 people have died in the South,” he lamented.
GRV further noted that Nigeria’s international standing has declined significantly, pointing out the country’s drop on the global tourism index. “We have gone from number 8 to number 6 in the international tourism risk index. This is a reflection of how unsafe Nigeria has become for both citizens and foreign visitors,” he said.
He warned that if urgent measures are not taken to address the worsening security challenges, Nigeria risks sliding further into instability, with grave consequences for its economy and social fabric.
‘Opposition Cannot Afford Division in 2027′ – GRV Warns
Speaking on the road to the 2027 general elections, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour called on all opposition parties to bury their differences and form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He argued that the fragmentation of opposition votes during the 2023 elections paved the way for Tinubu’s victory.
“The only way we can move this country forward as an opposition is to come together; we cannot afford to divide our votes again,” GRV declared.
Citing vote statistics from 2023, he said, “If you add Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s votes to His Excellency Peter Obi’s votes, they completely take out the current president.” He revealed that efforts are already underway to form a broad coalition of opposition parties, hinting that a formal announcement could be made in the coming days.
“At that point, we can then say authoritatively this is the party we are going to run on,” he added, signalling a shift towards strategic alliances ahead of the next presidential race.
Extravagance Amid Hardship: A Government Detached From Reality
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour was particularly critical of what he described as the government’s extravagant spending at a time when most Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented hardship. He questioned the rationale behind prioritising luxury projects, such as the renovation of the vice president’s residence, while millions struggle to afford basic necessities.
“You are spending money in the way a country whose economy is buoyant would spend money. It’s all about the people tightening their belts, but you see the government living extravagantly,” he said.
The Labour Party chieftain argued that such insensitivity sends a wrong signal to citizens, reinforcing the perception that the ruling class is disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. According to him, genuine leadership demands sacrifice, accountability, and a focus on the welfare of the people — values he believes are currently lacking.
Sanwo-Olu’s Lagos: ‘Self-Interest Over Public Good’
GRV didn’t spare Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his critique. He accused the governor of running an administration that prioritizes self-interest over public service, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and governance.
“The Lagos government is more concerned about projects that enrich a select few rather than serve the broader interests of Lagosians,” Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour stated.
He pointed to infrastructural projects that, according to him, benefit contractors and political cronies rather than the masses. GRV also questioned the state government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, citing poor execution of policies meant to alleviate the suffering of Lagos residents.
As Nigeria’s political space heats up ahead of 2027, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s fiery remarks signal not only growing dissatisfaction with the current administration but also the increasing momentum behind efforts to unite the opposition into a formidable force capable of challenging the status quo.
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