Tinubu’s Hasty And Thoughtless Removal of Subsidy Cause of Economic Crisis Nigerians Are Facing Today - Atiku

 

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized the Bola Tinubu-led administration for what he described as a reckless and ill-prepared economic decision that has plunged Nigeria into widespread hardship. The PDP stalwart held nothing back as he dissected the consequences of President Tinubu’s abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy, a move made on the very first day of his presidency.

Atiku’s statement, which he posted via his verified X handle on Sunday, July 13, reflected deep concern over the prevailing economic conditions in the country. According to him, the President’s unilateral decision to end the fuel subsidy came without due consultation or any form of structured cushioning mechanism for the poor and vulnerable. This, Atiku argued, laid the foundation for what he called a “punishing economic crisis” that Nigerians continue to endure.

The former Vice President went further to expose what he sees as a pattern of broken promises and governance by impulse. He recalled how, following public outcry and escalating hardship, the Tinubu administration pledged a wage award to federal civil servants. This temporary measure was supposedly meant to ease the pain of the subsidy removal pending the conclusion of negotiations for a new national minimum wage.

Despite this pledge, the reality has played out differently. Atiku pointed out that although ten months have passed since the subsidy was removed, the government has failed to fully deliver the promised relief. He noted that only six months of the ₦35,000 monthly wage award have been paid to federal workers, leaving a backlog of four months and generating further frustration among the workforce.

The monetary implication of this delay is no small matter. Atiku calculated that each worker is owed a total of ₦140,000 in arrears. He lamented the fact that this financial burden remains unresolved even after repeated assurances by the government. In his view, the pattern of delays and unfulfilled commitments signals a broader attitude of indifference from the federal authorities.

While some state governments have taken proactive steps to support their workers during this difficult period, Atiku observed a stark contrast at the federal level. According to him, what should be a display of compassion has instead become an exhibition of “callous indifference and utter disdain” towards Nigerian workers.

Adding to the weight of his criticism, Atiku condemned what he termed a disturbing drift into authoritarianism. He cited the recent arrest of labour activist Andrew Uche Emelieze, who was taken into custody for attempting to stage a peaceful protest over the unpaid wage awards. For Atiku, this incident serves as a grim reflection of the administration’s attitude toward dissent and free expression.

Rather than listening to the legitimate grievances of workers or fulfilling its own promises, Atiku said the Tinubu administration has chosen to silence critical voices. He stressed that Emelieze’s only so-called offense was to speak on behalf of millions of struggling workers, a right protected in any functioning democracy.

Calling for the immediate release of Emelieze, Atiku warned that the ongoing suppression of activism is an affront to democratic principles and a betrayal of the Nigerian workforce. He described the continued detention of the activist as a “slap in the face of every Nigerian worker” and a chilling symbol of the country’s political climate.

His statement concluded with a passionate appeal to the federal government. Atiku made it clear that the pain felt across the country is neither imagined nor exaggerated. Hunger is spreading, inflation is squeezing every household, and the promised economic relief remains a mirage for many. The government, he insisted, has a moral and constitutional duty to respond decisively to these challenges, not to repress those who speak out.

Atiku’s commentary adds to the growing chorus of dissatisfaction over the federal government’s handling of economic and labor-related issues. As the country navigates one of its toughest economic periods in recent memory, his remarks serve as a stark reminder of the expectations that citizens hold for their leaders and the growing impatience with unmet promises.