Felix Morka multidimensional poverty Tinubu defence as APC spokesman says states and LGs, not FG, are responsible for key poverty drivers in Nigeria
Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration by arguing that responsibility for many drivers of multidimensional poverty in Nigeria lies primarily with state and local governments rather than the Federal Government.
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Morka speaks on multidimensional poverty and Tinubu administration defence comes amid ongoing national debate over worsening economic conditions and public expectations placed on the presidency in addressing poverty and hardship across the country.
Morka stated that key indicators used in measuring multidimensional poverty, including access to potable water, basic healthcare, sanitation, and other essential services, fall largely within the constitutional responsibilities of subnational governments.
He argued that public discourse often places disproportionate blame on the President, stressing that state and local authorities are more directly responsible for delivering services that affect daily living standards.
According to Morka, since the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023, significant financial resources have been distributed to states and local governments, which he said places greater responsibility on them to address poverty-related challenges within their jurisdictions.
APC spokesman further suggested that Nigeria’s governance structure still reflects an over-centralised system inherited from military rule, which continues to influence how citizens assign accountability for development outcomes.
He maintained that subnational governments now have improved financial capacity to address infrastructure deficits and social services that contribute to poverty reduction, describing this as a critical but often overlooked factor in national discussions.
In a firm and detailed explanation, Morka emphasised that issues such as water supply, healthcare delivery, and sanitation services are central to poverty measurement frameworks but are primarily managed at state and local levels.
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Felix Morka addresses poverty debate involving Tinubu government defence has added fresh perspective to ongoing debates about governance responsibility, fiscal allocation, and the effectiveness of decentralised administration in tackling poverty across Nigeria.
