TMSG Criticises Falana, Urges Him To Refrain From Commenting On Tinubu’s Economic Policies

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has cautioned human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, against commenting on subjects outside his area of expertise. The group stated that Falana’s recent assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies was inaccurate and ill-informed.

During a recent television appearance, Falana claimed that President Tinubu’s policies had eradicated the middle class and called for a review of the administration’s economic strategy.

In response, TMSG, through a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, asserted that Falana’s claims were exaggerated due to his limited understanding of economics.

“After reviewing the transcripts of a recent TV interview in which human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticized President Tinubu’s economic policies for allegedly ‘wiping out the middle class,’ we concluded that his assessment was unfair to the administration,” the statement read.

TMSG emphasised the widely recognised unsustainability of the fuel subsidy regime and the detrimental effects of the foreign exchange policy leading up to the 2023 election.

The group argued that President Tinubu’s reforms were necessary to address these issues upon assuming office.

“Like many within Tinubu’s administration, we acknowledge that the initial implementation of these policies led to a cost-of-living crisis.

“This was an anticipated consequence, as such shock therapy measures invariably have an impact on any economy,” the statement continued.

TMSG highlighted President Tinubu’s prior acknowledgment of potential hardships associated with the reforms, with the expectation of eventual positive outcomes. The group asserted that there are already signs of improvement.

“However, Mr. Falana and his supporters have deliberately overlooked the gradual but significant progress made since the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates,” TMSG argued.

The group dismissed Falana’s claim of the middle class being “wiped out” as an overstatement stemming from a lack of understanding of modern economics. They attributed his criticism to a perception of the policies as “neo-liberal.”

TMSG further noted Falana’s past criticism of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, suggesting a pattern of dismissive commentary on economic matters.

The group then highlighted several initiatives introduced by the Tinubu administration in response to the economic reforms and their resulting impact.

“Mr. Falana’s assertion that things are tougher without government intervention is inaccurate. This administration has implemented numerous impactful initiatives, even for the middle class that Mr. Falana claims has been wiped out,” TMSG stated.

The group acknowledged the initial weakening of the Naira following the implementation of the FX policy but noted its subsequent rebound due to increased investor confidence, improved crude oil production, and oil sector reforms.

TMSG also emphasised the increase and stabilisation of Nigeria’s foreign reserves, as well as the historic high of the stock market, indicating a positive economic trajectory. They referenced recent reports showing that the Nigerian economy has grown to levels not seen in a decade.

Furthermore, TMSG highlighted the new tax law, which aims to increase the disposable income of average Nigerians through tax reliefs and exemptions for low-income earners and small businesses.

The group reiterated the government’s social welfare programs, including the disbursement of N493 billion to 5 million households, with plans to reach 15 million vulnerable households.

They also mentioned the school feeding program, which supports 9.8 million children in 53,000 schools, and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has provided tuition loans and stipends to over 396,000 students.

TMSG emphasised the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians and interpreted the President’s call for governors to “wet the ground” as an invitation for collaboration between the federal and state governments, especially given the increased allocations from the federation account.

The group expressed surprise that Falana did not direct his call to the governors themselves, instead suggesting that President Tinubu should persuade them to codify social investment programs into law.

TMSG concluded by questioning which specific reforms Falana was seeking to review and invited him to offer alternative solutions.