From Romanus Ugwu, and Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed President Muhammadu Buhari’s New Year message as full of empty promises.

The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, noted that instead of inspiring, the New Year broadcast ended up depressing Nigerians, as it failed to proffer any solution to the problems inflicted on the country by the present administration.

Besides, the opposition party expressed dismay that rather than accept that it has failed, the Presidency attempted to appropriate some of its achievements, during its 16 years rule.

The PDP, which berated the Presidency for attempting to take credit for its achievement in the agriculture, power and transportation sectors, challenged the Federal Government to point out any project it initiated and executed since May 29, 2015.

But in a swift reaction, the APC said the broadcast reflected Buhari’s sensitivity to the yearnings of Nigerians and willingness to embrace the conversations for the restructuring of the country.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, told Daily Sun on telephone that the party was particularly impressed that Buhari addressed various issues of concerns, especially the lingering fuel scarcity, continued debate over restructuring and infrastructural development.

He further argued that there was no contradiction on the president’s admittance that Boko Haram had been defeated and the recent plan to withdraw $1 billion from the national treasury, warning that no nation politicises issues around military capabilities.

Asked why his speech was silent on the activities of herdsmen, Bolaji said: “I don’t think that it was a deliberate omission. Don’t forget that he spoke generally on the insecurity in the country and assured that government is committed to keeping Nigeria safe.”