Atiku to Tinubu: ‘You’re Egypt Nigerians want to escape’
By Luminous Jannamike
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu, claiming his administration has exacerbated the hardships faced by Nigerians since the removal of fuel subsidies. Atiku described Tinubu as “the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape” and contended that the President’s comparison of subsidy relief to asking Moses to return to Egypt is disconnected from the realities of citizens struggling to afford basic necessities such as food and transportation.
In a statement issued Tuesday by Phrank Shaibu, the Director of Strategic Communication for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku also addressed the issues of insecurity and police welfare. He stated that Tinubu should not pursue another term until he adequately addresses the country’s pressing challenges.
“You are the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape,” Atiku remarked, criticizing the President for celebrating the increase in fuel prices while families face difficulties in meeting daily needs.
Atiku proposed implementing targeted support for locally refined petroleum products, excluding imported fuel, and called for independent audits to ensure the funds are used appropriately and benefit consumers by lowering prices.
“My proposal is clear: provide limited, budgeted support only to verified petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold domestically. Imported fuel should receive no assistance,” he explained.
Regarding security issues, Atiku rejected any attempts to blame former President Muhammadu Buhari for present challenges, asserting that the current administration must take responsibility for the rise in killings and abductions. He referenced a comment from Tinubu’s campaign Director-General, who questioned what could be done about insecurity when a former military general like Buhari was unable to resolve it. Atiku countered that former President Umaru Yar’Adua effectively addressed security concerns despite having no military experience.
“Nigerians expect their President to confront the killers, rescue the abducted, and ensure it is safe to travel, work, and sleep without fear,” he stated.
Atiku further argued that the security failures during Tinubu’s presidency could not be attributed to the actions of his predecessor, asserting that the President’s lack of a clear plan to address the crisis weakens his bid for re-election.
He also highlighted issues regarding police welfare, citing a case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who reported a monthly pension of ₦29,000. Atiku claimed that many active officers are relying on their pensions to support their families and called on Tinubu to address the Police Exit Bill and to review police salaries and benefits.
“Those who protect Nigerians deserve adequate pay, healthcare, and security in retirement,” he said.
Atiku emphasized that Nigerians should have access to affordable fuel, safe communities, and improved welfare for security personnel, vowing to reverse what he characterized as the hardships caused by the Tinubu administration.
“Tinubu has made life expensive. I will make life affordable again,” he concluded.
