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By Dr. Sunny Oby Maduka, (DSM) Ph.D

“By the time APC’s regime ends, Nigerian citizens would have either been mortgaged as collaterals for World Bank, China and Europe, or, Nigerian resources would have been signed off, and the only thing that would have been left, is that, generations won’t be able to know their rights and privileges as citizens of Nigeria when discussing the differences between a national commonwealth inheritance and an international economic conspiracy capture.” — DSM.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government has engaged in extensive borrowing practic­es, accumulating substantial debt, a trend that has sparked growing concern among Nige­rians who have yet to witness tangible benefits from these financial decisions. This rais­es critical questions about the party’s economic strategies and their overall impact on the na­tion’s financial well-being. The scale of borrowing has reached unprecedented levels, leaving many citizens questioning the rationale behind such ag­gressive debt accumulation and the absence of visible im­provements in infrastructure, social programs, or economic growth that could justify these substantial loans.

APC’s economic policies seem to lack creative and un­conventional strategies that could address the nation’s complex economic challeng­es. The absence of innovative approaches suggest a potential lack of foresight and adaptabil­ity in navigating the complex­ities of the global economic landscape. The situation has deteriorated noticeably since President Bola Ahmed Tinu­bu assumed office two years ago. Despite the government’s claims about the removal of fuel subsidies, although in­tended to improve the nation’s fiscal health, but the economic hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians has intensified, raising questions about the effectiveness of these policies and their impact on the overall cost of living.

The government’s contin­ued pursuit of loans acqui­sitions and excessive taxes impositions policies despite the widespread econom­ic hardship suggests a potential disconnect between the govern­ment’s actions and the lived realities of its citizens.

Recently, the All Progres­sives Con­gress (APC) announced the complete repayment of Nigeria’s Internation­al Monetary Fund (IMF) loan liabilities. This achieve­ment was wide­ly publicized and celebrated as a significant nation­al accomplishment, generating considerable public excitement and bolstering the government’s image. However, this triumph has been overshadowed by the subsequent revelation of new alleged borrowings of $21.5 billion and N758 billion. This is the tragedy of a confused society, where leaders are be­reft of ideas except looking for excuses. While Nigerians are still in quandary of the burden of the previous debts, a Bill for additional loans is on the table for approval by a seemingly compromised NASS.

This substantial increase in debt has raised serious con­cerns and sparked widespread public debate, particularly giv­en the lack of tangible evidence demonstrating how previous loans have benefited Nigeri­an citizens or contributed to infrastructural development. The apparent contradiction be­tween the proclaimed IMF loan repayment and the subsequent World Bank accumulation of significantly more debt has left many Nigerians perplexed and ques­tioning the government’s fis­cal policies. The lack of trans­parency surrounding the previ­ous acquired loans and the core purpose of this new loan fur­ther fuels public apprehension.

Can a borrowing econom­ic strategy be a sustainable approach to financing devel­opment in a country where corruption has become a na­tional award criteria? This is a critical question that demands clear and forthright answers.

The continuous borrow­ing, spearheaded by President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is pushing the country into a precarious financial position. There’s a growing call for greater pru­dence, transparency, account­ability and responsibility in government spending, along with a demand for sustainable internal economic policies that prioritize the well-being of all N i ­geri­ans.

T h e concern is that without immediate ac­tion and a shift in fiscal strate­gy, the nation risks facing a severe economic crisis in the present and in the future. Cit­izens must wake up and hold their leaders accountable by demanding a more responsi­ble approach to managing the nation’s finances.

Let me conclude with a note of warning, and that is, the future of Nigeria’s economic stability hangs in the balance, and the decisions made in the coming months, especially con­cerning the alleged new loans of over $21 billion and N758 bil­lion will have far-reaching con­sequences for both the present and future generations. The call to action is clear: Nigerians must wake up and address this critical issue before it’s too late.

Remember that,

“it’s at the time of peace that the strat­egy for an upcoming war is planned, and this is because, in the middle of a war, no one is assured of his or her ultimate safety.”- DSM.

Tribute To Whom It May Concern:

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)

In the spirit of the sea­son, I want to thank God Almighty for His amazing grace in sparing our lives in this two years of the stewardship scorecard of our President and Commander In Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR). Your reign so far has been the most tragic but amazing experience, and indeed, you have helped in shap­ing up the senses of most Nigerians. The truth about the good, the bad and ugly prec­edents is glaring, and I want to sincerely congratulate you for championing the Renewed Hope Agenda that has MADE all of us HOPELESS. I pray that God Almighty will grant­ed you a subtle heart of empa­thy as you start a new year by looking inwards for Nigeria’s economic and structural re­forms and growth.

Loans and any economic conspiracy from a pretentious friendly stranger in whatsoev­er disguise can never build a stable home, especially where the stranger is a vampirous exploiter.

Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR)

I won’t end here without appreciating my indefatigable and workaholic Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti. Indeed, Abia State has truly understood the true meaning of ‘CHIOMA’ through your great works that you’re diligently executing. To­day, every Abian has not only been dignified, but we’re now the toast of greatness. Anyi Ji Gi Ná Eme Onu, Onyesi Ndi Abia. Ka Chukwu Abiama go­zie gi, Iseeee.

Rt Hon Chinedu Ekeke

As they say, Charity begins at home, hence, I won’t fail to recognize the GENTLE GI­ANT, who is in charge of my local government area, His Rt Honourable, Chinedu Ekeke, the Mayor and Chairman of ALGON. Indeed, you have proven that the youths have come of age to rule this coun­try. Your talent and humility will definitely expose you to the world, and by God’s amazing grace, your potential will add value to Nigeria’s greatness.

Nigerian Child:

To our little innocent chil­dren that celebrated their CHILDREN’S DAY on the 27th of May, I want to say, don’t ever believe these great grand fathers assertion that the fu­ture belongs to you. I heard the same rhythm of speech and till date, both the past and present are still with the same old confused people. My advice is that everyone of you must have a sense of national pride and patriotism with a resilient ideology to fight these old peo­ple who have refused to mentor their own great grand children in their respective villages, and instead, exploit both your today and tomorrow. Freedom is not earned, it’s a battle of eman­cipation from captivity, and please, don’t be as docile as my generation. God bless you all and may you breathe a new spirit that will discern the best of Nigeria you are dreaming of, Amen.

Nigerians:

My fellow Nigerians, we must not loose hope of a new Nigeria of our dreams, and hence, we must collectively fight for our freedom from the sharks in our leadership, even as I come in PEACE.

* Rt Hon (Dr.) Sunny Oby Maduka (DSM)

• Source: Independent Newspaper-Saturday May 31, 2025.