Atiku Fires Back at Tinubu, Says You Removed Subsidy, Retained Racketeering And Handed Nigerians The Bill

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu over his approach to the petroleum sector. Atiku described Tinubu's comments on removing subsidies as "economic vandalism" that has led to skyrocketing prices, decreased purchasing power, and overall suffering among Nigerians. He accused Tinubu of misunderstanding economic principles, as he presided over a government with ballooning revenues while citizens faced collapsing purchasing power.

Atiku argued that Tinubu's approach was akin to "economic arson followed by propaganda about the ashes." He pointed out that while FAAC allocations have increased, ordinary Nigerians cannot use these funds to improve their lives due to the underlying economic issues. Atiku accused Tinubu of presiding over an economy where citizens are poorer despite higher government revenues, calling his presidencies "economic arson."

Atiku proposed a targeted, capped, budgeted, time-bound, and independently audited production-support mechanism instead of the current subsidy system. He noted that Tinubu has removed the relief but retained opaque costs, leaving Nigerians with the pain and the bill. Atiku challenged Tinubu to explain the approximately ₦30 trillion in Federation Account revenues, deductions, savings, and transfers that he has demanded be reconciled.