Ibrahim Modibbo, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Taraba State, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s advisers and ministers, calling them incompetent and suggesting they should be dismissed.

In an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday, Modibbo described the current ministers as “newspaper tigers,” accusing them of relying too heavily on theoretical economics rather than addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues of hunger and hardship. He claimed that their advice has led to the country’s ongoing economic difficulties.

“I’m a Nigerian and I share in the pain felt by President Tinubu and the rest of the country,” Modibbo said. “I’m not here to defend the current conditions, but I believe the advisers around the President are providing ineffective guidance.”

He argued that if he were president, he would have replaced most of the ministers and advisers to bring in new perspectives. “Some members of the economic team are just theoretical economists who fail to address the real needs of the Nigerian people,” he added.

Modibbo also criticized Tinubu’s decision to acquire a new presidential jet without selling the old one, suggesting that it demonstrates a lack of sensitivity to the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians. He questioned the need for a new jet given the economic climate, though he acknowledged that safety concerns, such as those seen with other world leaders, might justify the purchase.

Despite his criticisms, Modibbo expressed optimism about the President’s ability to address the country’s economic issues, emphasizing that while no democracy can achieve perfect satisfaction, Tinubu has time to make necessary changes. He urged Nigerians to be patient and hopeful that the President will find solutions to the current economic problems.