From Marcus Nkire
Former Vice President, , has slammed the administration of President over worsening insecurity and economic hardship in the country, lamenting that many Nigerians now see ransom payments as part of their household expenses.
Atiku, in a statement issued Thursday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, criticised the Presidency for celebrating Nigeria’s debt profile while citizens continue to battle hunger, inflation, kidnappings and rising poverty.
The former vice president was reacting to recent comments by the Presidency comparing Nigeria’s debt level with those of other African countries, describing the comparison as insensitive and disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, millions of Nigerians can barely afford basic necessities, while parents are withdrawing their children from school due to economic hardship and businesses continue to suffer from high electricity tariffs and inflation.
“At a time when Nigerians live in fear of kidnappers and violent attacks, government officials should focus more on solving the nation’s challenges rather than celebrating debt statistics,” Atiku stated.
He further decried the worsening security situation across the country, noting that travelling by road has become increasingly dangerous due to frequent cases of banditry, abductions and attacks on communities.
The Waziri Adamawa also linked the nation’s food crisis to insecurity, saying many farmers can no longer access their farmlands because of attacks by armed groups, resulting in food shortages and soaring prices.
While acknowledging that borrowing is not entirely wrong when tied to productive investments, Atiku argued that the current administration has failed to translate the country’s growing debt into meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens.
He accused the government of prioritising propaganda over governance and recalled that the administration of former President implemented reforms that helped Nigeria exit the Paris Club debt burden.
Atiku urged the Tinubu administration to address the nation’s economic and security challenges with urgency and sincerity before the situation worsens further.
