Atiku Visits, Donates N20m to Families of Dead Miners in Niger, Restates Plan to Lower Cost of Living If Elected President
Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, Thursday paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Minna and Chairman of
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, paid an emotional visit to the families of 37 artisanal miners who tragically lost their lives in custody. He accompanied this visit with a generous donation of N20 million to alleviate the financial burden on the bereaved families. Speaking from his heart, Atiku emphasized that Nigeria's future depends on investing in its young people, creating opportunities for them, and enabling them to pursue legitimate livelihoods.
The tragedy of these miners serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young Nigerians in the face of severe economic hardship. One survivor recounted harrowing conditions, with over 68 miners being crammed into a small detention facility, forced to drink urine to survive. Atiku condemned the government for subjecting its citizens to such indignity, asserting that every individual deserves life, dignity, and the protection of the law.
Atiku highlighted that the push towards hazardous occupations by young Nigerians underscores the urgent need for government intervention to address poverty, unemployment, and the cost-of-living crisis. The deaths of these miners call for truth, justice, and accountability. He urged the Tinubu administration to reflect on the human costs of economic policies that have left millions struggling, particularly highlighting the need to support domestic refining of petroleum products to lower costs for consumers.
Reiterating his commitment to reducing the cost of living if elected, Atiku proposed a targeted production subsidy for Nigeria-refined petroleum products, aimed at supporting local refining, eliminating waste, and ensuring that government support translates directly into lower prices for consumers. He stressed that his policy is not a mere slogan but a genuine commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.
"Our young people deserve better than an economy that leaves survival to dangerous and uncertain means," Atiku concluded, urging for classrooms, skills, jobs, and opportunities for them.
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