Atiku slams Tinubu over poverty, insecurity

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, asserting that Nigerians are facing escalating hunger, poverty, and insecurity three years into the administration's term. Abubakar contends that the government's promise of "renewed hope" has instead translated into "renewed hardship, renewed insecurity, renewed poverty, and renewed hopelessness."

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Three years ago, President Tinubu promised renewed hope. What Nigerians have received instead is renewed hardship, renewed insecurity, renewed poverty, and renewed hopelessness.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Abubakar highlighted the severe economic challenges confronting the nation. He pointed to soaring food prices, high unemployment rates, and a declining purchasing power that leaves millions unable to afford basic necessities. "Never in recent history have so many Nigerians worked so hard only to become poorer," the statement read, emphasizing the cruel impact of inflation on ordinary citizens and businesses.

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Today, millions of Nigerians can no longer afford the basic necessities of life. Food prices have skyrocketed beyond the reach of ordinary families. Inflation has become a cruel tax on the poor. Small and medium-scale businesses are shutting their doors.

Abubakar also voiced grave concerns over the deteriorating security situation. He cited recent incidents of kidnappings, including schoolchildren in Borno State and pupils and teachers in Oyo State, as evidence that these are not isolated events. He stressed the growing demand for accountability from leaders and encouraged citizens to leverage democratic processes to influence the nation's trajectory.

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Never in recent history have so many Nigerians worked so hard only to become poorer.

"The ballot box remains the most powerful weapon in the hands of the people. It is stronger than propaganda. It is stronger than intimidation. It is stronger than incumbency," Abubakar declared. He also mentioned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is preparing to unveil a policy blueprint aimed at tackling the country's economic, security, and governance challenges, focusing on economic recovery, job creation, education, healthcare, and institutional reforms.

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The recent abduction of schoolchildren in Borno State and the mass kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are not isolated incidents.