Nigeria: Nigerians Don't Deserve This Hardship, Atiku Tells Tinubu

Former Vice President and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Tinubu administration for failing to protect ordinary Nigerians from economic hardship. Atiku's statement, attributed to Phrank Shaibu, ADC Presidential Campaign Council Director, came after President Tinubu's Independence Day address, which highlighted policies making fuel and basic necessities unaffordable.

Atiku challenged the President's claim that salaries and pensions were paid on time and in full, pointing out that federal workers report delays and pensioners continue to protest. He compared Germany's recent decision to cut gasoline and diesel taxes by €0.17 per litre, resulting in a cost of €2.5 billion, with falling pump prices. Atiku emphasized that when fuel prices rise, transport and essential goods become costly, ultimately affecting families from the filling station to their homes.

The former VP called for targeted, budgeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria, with strict auditing and a guarantee that the benefit lowers pump prices. He added that such support should follow the barrel refined in Nigeria, creating jobs and easing costs for Nigerians, while being funded by cutting waste, protected against diversion and price manipulation, and not applicable to imported fuel.

Atiku expressed deep regret for Nigerians enduring unbearable hardship due to the Tinubu administration's policies. He promised to bring life back to affordability, stating that lower fuel costs could lead to cheaper bus rides, more affordable goods at markets, and extra money in families' pockets.