Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and governance, claiming they are causing immense suffering among Nigerians.
Atiku, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, rebuked the President for not implementing announced economic reliefs and for prioritizing attacks on political opponents over effective governance.
Atiku pointed out that Tinubu had declared, on July 8, 2024, a temporary removal of import duties on essential goods like food for 150 days to address inflation and hunger. Yet, over 120 days later, no concrete action has been taken, and food inflation continues to surge, exceeding 40%, the highest in decades.
Atiku labeled this inaction as a sign of incompetence within Tinubu’s administration and criticized the Ministry of Finance for not issuing the required gazette to enforce the policy.
“Instead of addressing critical issues affecting Nigerians, Tinubu’s administration is focused on attacking opponents, such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, using compromised judicial systems,” the statement read.
Atiku contended that Tinubu’s governance, characterized by abrupt and ill-conceived policy decisions, has only worsened the economic situation. He cited Tinubu’s removal of the petrol subsidy without necessary palliative measures as an example, resulting in widespread hardship and a failed attempt to implement a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative.
Atiku also highlighted the administration’s struggles with managing foreign exchange and economic projections, noting a disconnect between policy and reality.
He criticized the government’s optimistic projections, such as an exchange rate of N700/$1 in 2024, while the actual economic situation suggests far greater challenges. Additionally, Atiku accused Tinubu of misleading Nigerians about the country’s foreign reserves, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to release its 2023 financial statements to prove the administration’s claims.
On security, Atiku lamented the emergence of a new terror group, Lakurawa, and ongoing challenges in the energy sector, such as grid collapses attributed to criminal activities in the North.
He accused Tinubu of nepotism in appointing his allies and kinsmen to critical economic and security positions, which he claims undermines national unity and effective governance.
“It is regrettable that Tinubu has prioritized pleasing his associates over the welfare of Nigerians.
He has committed over $13 billion to the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, which has left many Lagos residents homeless while other urgent issues lack funding,” Atiku stated. He called on Tinubu to use his remaining time in office to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians rather than exacerbate it.
Addressing claims that Atiku is envious of Tinubu, the statement dismissed them as absurd. “Atiku cannot be jealous of someone who is causing pain and hardship to Nigerians.
Such cruelty is Tinubu’s domain,” Shaibu said, referencing Tinubu with a biting remark, “Wickedness is an exclusive preserve of Tinubu.”
Atiku expressed dismay over the state of the Nigerian currency, now the worst-performing in Africa, and lamented the country’s economic decline from Africa’s largest economy to the fifth.
He urged Tinubu to urgently focus on policies that genuinely uplift Nigerians, warning against a situation where citizens become so disillusioned that they welcome military intervention. “Nigerians are reaching their breaking point, and this should concern Tinubu deeply,” Atiku concluded.