Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the rising cost of living, saying Nigerians need urgent economic relief rather than calls to be patient.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks in a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, his senior special assistant on public communication.
He blamed the worsening economic situation on the policies of the Tinubu administration, citing increases in the prices of petrol, food, transportation, fertiliser and cement.
“Tinubu did not inherit this cost of living crisis from Nigerians. His policies created and deepened it,” Atiku said.
The former vice-president also defended his proposed petrol production subsidy, which he said would support domestic production and refining while helping to reduce the financial burden on consumers.
According to him, the policy would focus on boosting local production, increasing supply, monitoring prices and ensuring that Nigerians benefit from lower costs at the pump.
Atiku said the impact of the economic policies was being felt through higher fuel and food prices, increased transportation costs, weaker businesses and reduced disposable income.
“Nigerians have now seen what Tinubu’s economics means in their daily lives. They do not need another lecture on patience. They need relief,” he said.
He added that if elected president, he would focus on job creation and measures aimed at reducing the cost of living.
Atiku said while Tinubu’s policies had made life more expensive for Nigerians, he would seek to reverse the trend and put more money back into the pockets of citizens.