Tinubu’s policies are killing Nigerians, not a matter of jealousy — Atiku hits back at presidency
…Warns of national chaos if Tinubu fails to tackle Nigeria’s economic, security crises
By Sodiq Adelakun
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded forcefully to the presidency’s recent claim that he is “jealous” of President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku rejected the accusation, insisting that it is impossible for him to envy an administration whose economic policies, according to him, are causing widespread hardship for Nigerians.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communication on Monday, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed outrage at the allegations and instead called on the President to focus on addressing the suffering of Nigerians, which he claims has been worsened by government mismanagement.
“It is ludicrous to claim that Atiku is jealous of Tinubu. Hell no, Atiku cannot be jealous of Tinubu inflicting pains on Nigerians. Wickedness is an exclusive preserve of Tinubu, and no compassionate leader who truly cares about the wellbeing of Nigerians should be jealous of what is an exclusive preserve of T-Pain,” Atiku stated.
The former PDP presidential candidate described Tinubu’s administration as incompetent, pointing to several policy failures that have negatively impacted the country. Specifically, he referenced the President’s announcement in July 2024 to lift import duties on essential goods like food for 150 days, a policy that has yet to take effect more than four months later.
“Over 120 days later, the policy is yet to take off, while Nigerians continue to die daily due to increasing costs, including food inflation, which now exceeds 40 percent — the highest in decades,” Atiku said, criticising the lack of action from the government.
He also lambasted the inconsistency in government policies, citing the abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy by Tinubu, followed by a failed push for a compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative.
According to Atiku, the initiative has failed to gain traction due to insufficient gas infrastructure in most states, leading to higher transport costs and continued food price hikes.
Atiku further accused the Tinubu administration of mismanagement in economic affairs, citing the government’s unrealistic projections in its mid-term expenditure framework, which forecasted an exchange rate of N700/$1 for 2024. He questioned the credibility of government financial reports, claiming that the country’s foreign exchange reserves are grossly overstated.
The former Vice President also took aim at the President’s handling of national security, criticising what he described as an “unfortunate” focus on political patronage rather than the safety of Nigerians.
He pointed to the recent emergence of a new terror group, Lakurawa, and increasing grid collapses in the northern region, accusing the government of failing to prioritise security.
“Tinubu has decided to play politics with security by appointing his kinsmen to top security and economic positions. Even President Muhammadu Buhari was not this brazen,” Atiku remarked, alleging that the President’s actions have led to ineffective governance.
Atiku also expressed concern over the growing discontent among Nigerians, pointing to the recent protests where some demonstrators were seen waving Russian flags and calling for military intervention.
He warned that unless Tinubu changes course, the country could be pushed to the brink of chaos.
“The people are tired, and their patience is running out. It is a dangerous time for the nation,” he cautioned.
Atiku’s remarks come as the nation grapples with the fallout from soaring inflation, a weak currency, and worsening economic conditions.
The former Vice President urged President Tinubu to focus on tangible solutions, emphasising that the President has less than two years remaining in office to salvage his legacy.
“Let this be a lesson to him—he should focus on improving the lives of the people. It’s time to make hay while the sun shines, before Nigerians turn their back on this administration completely,” Atiku added.
