You removed subsidy yet can’t pay ASUU – Atiku to Tinubu
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu on Sunday for what he described as a significant economic deception affecting Nigeria.
In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku claimed that the government’s removal of the fuel subsidy has exacerbated hardships for many families, yet it has failed to address the financial needs of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Atiku indicated that ASUU’s recent threat to initiate a strike highlights the lack of transparency regarding promises to use savings from subsidy cuts to bolster educational funding and resolve ongoing issues in universities.
“A government that removes relief from citizens, fails to provide genuine social support, and does not fulfill its basic commitments has forfeited the right to ask for sacrifices from the public,” he said.
He pointed out that families are struggling as the costs of essential goods, travel, and energy continue to rise while their incomes remain stagnant.
“At present, the government’s approach has left citizens to navigate the fallout from its economic decisions without assistance,” Atiku added. “This neglect has rendered the current university crisis indefensible. The government eliminated the subsidy, claimed the savings, and imposed hardship, yet there has been no corresponding improvement in educational institutions, healthcare, or overall living conditions.”
He further noted that more than three years since the subsidy was removed, lecturers are still voicing concerns over unpaid salaries and unresolved agreements, with ASUU again signaling the possibility of industrial action.
“University infrastructure remains insufficient, while millions of young Nigerians compete annually for a limited number of admissions. So, where is the money?” he questioned.
