Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s policies, accusing the administration of neglecting the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
In a statement released on Tuesday through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku condemned Tinubu’s recent comments during a media chat, particularly his plans to continue borrowing for infrastructural projects and his stance on fuel subsidy removal.
Atiku accused the Tinubu-led government of “borrowing without purpose,” asserting that there is no clear financial discipline under the current administration.
He argued that the policies implemented so far have failed to address the worsening economic and security challenges facing the country.
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“Nothing has changed ever since he became President. It is just the same Tinubu that we know. The economy and security are not better. They are being reckless with the nation’s resources,” Atiku stated.
Highlighting the severe economic hardship many Nigerians are experiencing, Atiku noted that the upcoming Christmas season is likely to be one of the hardest in recent years due to escalating inflation and widespread hunger.
He questioned the effectiveness of the government’s borrowing strategy, saying, “If he says he’s borrowing to improve infrastructure, where are they? You can’t borrow to pay salaries but for specific purposes and targeted projects.”
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The former Vice President also criticized the administration for imposing taxes on already struggling Nigerians, arguing that such measures, combined with unchecked borrowing, have yielded no tangible benefits for the population.
“Tinubu has failed to demonstrate that he can reposition the country. The borrowing and taxing are not helping ordinary Nigerians,” Atiku concluded.
Tinubu administration has faced mounting criticism over its handling of inflation, subsidy removal, and fiscal policy.