Former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has expressed concern over rising food prices in the country and warned that things are “getting out of control” under the Bola Tinubu administration.
He said this during a meeting with the leadership of the Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights, led by Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, at his residence in Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday.
Gen. Abubakar said due to economic hardship, many families are struggling to afford necessities such as food and transportation.
“Everybody is crying about this hardship, and it seems to be getting out of control. People cannot afford three square meals,” the elder statesman lamented.
He further spoke on the rising cost of fuel, and school fees, amongst others, which he said was exacerbating the situation.
“The issue of transportation, the hike in fuel, the hike in school fees for the children, and the lack of funds in everybody’s pocket is making life difficult for everybody,” he added.
Abubakar disclosed that a forum he belongs to has proposed three key recommendations to the federal government in a bid to address the crisis.
He added that palliative measures alone would not solve the problem, and urged the government to instead focus on providing affordable food options.
“There is a need for the government to flood and saturate the communities with food. Let them buy food and sell it at lesser prices to the people, so that people can afford these essential items based on their income,” he suggested.
Speaking on plans to resume the #EndBadGovernance protest on October 1, Abubakar called for peaceful demonstrations.
He recalled how violence, looting, and criminal activities marred previous protests. He also urged Nigerians to avoid a repeat of such unrest that saw private properties and businesses targeted.
“During the last protest, we saw unnecessary and uncalled-for carnage, theft, and criminalities. Instead of protesting peacefully, people went about looting, even private houses. Private individuals suffered in the hands of the demonstrators,” he said.
In his remarks, Abdullahi Jabi, leader of the visiting delegation, congratulated Gen. Abubakar on his recent birthday and prayed for his continued good health and long life.