Nigerians Need Relief, Not Lectures on Patience – Atiku tells Tinubu

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying Nigerians are struggling with rising living costs and need urgent relief rather than appeals for patience.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the prices of petrol, food, transportation and other essential commodities had continued to place pressure on households and businesses across the country.

He cited the rising costs of fertiliser, petrol and cement as evidence of the economic hardship confronting Nigerians.

“Tinubu did not inherit this cost of living crisis from Nigerians. His policies created and deepened it,” Atiku said.

The ADC presidential candidate also criticised the Tinubu administration for opposing his proposed petrol subsidy, which he said was aimed at supporting domestic production, increasing supply and reducing the burden of high fuel prices on Nigerians.

“This is why my production subsidy is about putting money back into people’s pockets. Support what we produce and refine here, increase supply, monitor the price and make sure Nigerians feel the benefit at the pump,” he said.

Atiku argued that Nigerians had endured enough hardship and should not be asked to remain patient without tangible improvements in their living conditions.

“Nigerians have now seen what Tinubu’s economics means in their daily lives: higher fuel prices, higher food prices, higher transport costs, weaker businesses and emptier pockets. They do not need another lecture on patience. They need relief,” he said.

He said the choice before Nigerians was between continuing with an economic system that he claimed was taking more from citizens and building one that would put more money back into their pockets.

Atiku further promised that, if elected president, his administration would focus on creating jobs and reducing the cost of living.

He accused the Tinubu administration of making life more expensive for Nigerians, promising to reverse the trend if given the opportunity to lead the country.