Rufai Oseni, a co-anchor of ARISE Television’s Morning Show, has said poverty increased in Anambra State during the administration of former governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Oseni made the remarks on Tuesday while commenting on the
debate surrounding Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State.
According to him, data from the National Bureau of
Statistics, NBS, showed that poverty rose in the state during Obi’s tenure,
moving from the high 40 per cent range to over 50 per cent.
“Poverty actually increased in Anambra under Peter Obi. It’s
a fact. Go and check NBS figures, from about the late 40-something percent to
over 50-something percent,” Oseni said.
He, however, noted that poverty also increased under other
administrations across the country, including in Lagos State.
“Did poverty increase in Lagos? Yes. Under President Tinubu,
it increased to over 63 per cent,” he said.
Oseni also acknowledged some achievements recorded during
Obi’s administration, particularly in the education sector.
He said Anambra moved from 26th position to first position
in WAEC performance during Obi’s tenure.
“Did he do some other things? Yes. Did he take the state
from 26 position to number one position in WAEC? Yes, there are facts to that,”
he said.
The television anchor said his assessment was based on
available data, arguing that both the achievements and shortcomings of Obi’s
administration should be acknowledged when assessing his record in office.
Oseni further said one of the major challenges facing Obi
ahead of future political contests was the need to clearly articulate his
policy proposals.
He said he was particularly interested in seeing Obi’s
detailed plans for electricity generation, industrial production, healthcare
and fuel subsidy reforms.
According to Oseni, he had previously asked Obi how he
intended to expand electricity access but was yet to see a definitive policy
document addressing the issue.
He said he would like to see how Obi planned to achieve
10,000 megawatts of electricity generation and link consumption with production
through an industrial plan.
Oseni also called for clarity on Obi’s proposed healthcare
policies and approach to fuel subsidies, stressing that retaining subsidies
without a clear plan for managing inflation would be insufficient.
“It’s not just to say, okay, keep subsidy. Then how will you
taper out inflation?” he asked.
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