Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the economy and security, saying millions of Nigerians are still battling hardship despite government claims of progress.
In his Independence Day message to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th anniversary, Atiku said the true measure of any government is the welfare and safety of its citizens, not the size of government revenue or official economic figures.
According to him, many families continue to struggle with the rising cost of food, transportation and other basic necessities.
«”A growing government account is not a recovering Nigerian,” Atiku declared.»
He added: “A President may announce a new chapter in a speech. He cannot announce food onto a family’s table or money into a worker’s pocket.”
The former vice president argued that while government officials speak of economic recovery, many Nigerians have not experienced any meaningful improvement in their standard of living.
He asked President Tinubu directly: “Bola, where is this prosperity?”
Atiku also faulted the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal policy, saying it has imposed heavy economic pressure on households without delivering the promised relief.
«”Calling relief an addiction will not lower the price of petrol,” he said.»
Questioning the benefits of the policy, he added: “Three years later, the pain has an address in every home. Bola, where is the benefit?”
The ADC presidential candidate proposed what he described as a production-based fuel subsidy that would apply only to petrol refined within Nigeria, including fuel produced by modular refineries.
He said imported petrol should not benefit from such a programme, while all payments should be independently audited to ensure Nigerians enjoy lower pump prices.
«”The principle is simple: produce here, refine here, create jobs here and pay less here,” he stated.»
On insecurity, Atiku said the country cannot achieve meaningful economic growth if farmers are unable to cultivate their land and citizens continue to live in fear of criminal attacks.
He said insecurity has affected food production and worsened the country’s economic challenges.
«”A government that cannot make life affordable and cannot protect life has failed the two tests that matter most to its people,” he said.»
He added: “A farmer who cannot safely reach his field cannot wait for your theory of cheaper food.”
The former vice president also questioned the implementation of the Federal Government’s promise to reduce transport fares from October 1.
While acknowledging reports that fares had dropped on some routes, he said Nigerians deserve clear information on the extent of the programme.
«”Nigerians cannot board an announcement,” Atiku said.»
He also asked: “Before I forget, you promised Nigerians lower transport fares from October 1. Today is October 1. Did your promise miss the bus?”
According to him, the government should publish the affected transport routes, previous fares, current fares and the number of commuters benefiting from the initiative.
Atiku maintained that government policies should be judged by their impact on ordinary Nigerians rather than official pron
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow The Eagle Times Nigeria on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
