Atiku Slams Tinubu’s Economic Policies, Labels Current Hardship “T-pain”
By Emmanuel Enebeli
ABUJA/Nigeria: Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, particularly regarding the recent increases in fuel prices. In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku described the hardship Nigerians are facing as “T-pain,” blaming the administration’s “haphazard and disingenuous” approach to fuel subsidy removal for the nation’s current economic crisis. He noted that the escalating inflation has severely impacted the material well-being of Nigerians.
Since May 29, 2023, when President Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidies, the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has witnessed several increases, sparking widespread frustration. The immediate removal of the subsidy led to an almost 200% rise in fuel prices, further pushing up inflation and worsening the cost of living for many Nigerians.
Atiku expressed deep concern over the government’s lack of effective measures to address the economic fallout. “As things stand, there will be no let-up in the escalating inflation rate, which is drowning the material well-being of Nigerians,” he wrote.
He also criticized the administration’s perceived indifference to the suffering of the people, noting that the government seems “undisturbed by the hardship in the country.”
Nigerians have been increasingly calling on President Tinubu to take immediate action to alleviate the economic burden caused by the rising fuel costs. Atiku echoed these sentiments, urging the government to rethink its approach to fuel subsidy management and implement policies that prioritize the welfare of the people.
The former vice president’s comments have intensified the ongoing national debate about the government’s economic direction, with many Nigerians questioning the sustainability of the current policies amid rising inflation and persistent fuel price hikes.
