Atiku Abubakar, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced his concerns about Nigeria’s current state, stating that the nation is not functioning optimally one year into President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.
Atiku characterized Tinubu’s first year as a series of experimental economic policies while also highlighting the harsh policies Tinubu implemented that worsened the economy and threw many Nigerians into hardship. He recalled Tinubu’s initial promises to revamp the economy by focusing on job creation, food security, and poverty alleviation, which raised hopes among Nigerians.
“Atiku said,” Nigerians would have breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Tinubu’s assurances, especially after their experience with ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years of economic misadventure.”
However, Atiku criticized Tinubu’s lack of concrete plans for economic restructuring, noting that his administration instead implemented various policies without clear direction.
“Atiku stated,” Tinubu laid out no plans for the ‘remodeling’ of the economy but soon embarked on a cocktail of policies to achieve it.”
Atiku highlighted key policy changes, such as the elimination of fuel subsidies and the implementation of a new foreign exchange policy, which he argued have exacerbated Nigeria’s economic challenges.
He emphasized that despite Tinubu’s promises, Nigeria’s economic situation has worsened over the past year, with issues such as unemployment, poverty, and economic instability persisting.
“Atiku asserted,” Nigeria remains a struggling economy and is more fragile today than it was a year ago. Indeed, all the economic ills – joblessness, poverty, and misery – which defined the Buhari-led administration have only exacerbated.”
Atiku urged the government to address these pressing issues and work towards restoring Nigeria’s economic stability and prosperity.