Rice distribution not governance, Nigerians aren’t beggars – Atiku slams Tinubu, First Lady
Former Vice President Criticizes Food Distribution Efforts as Political Tool
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly condemned what he terms the “weaponization of hunger and poverty” in Northern Nigeria through the distribution of food aid. His remarks were conveyed in a statement by spokesperson Phrank Shaibu on Friday, coinciding with International Workers’ Day.
Atiku specifically criticized the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for launching an initiative that includes the distribution of 100 trucks of rice and 1.2 billion naira in palliative measures to various northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He characterized this event as a politically motivated performance amid widespread economic distress.
“What Nigerians are witnessing today is the tragic normalization of poverty under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Atiku said. He noted that many families are struggling to afford basic meals, with rising inflation significantly impacting household incomes and pushing millions into extreme poverty.
The former vice president accused the government of prioritizing public appearances over addressing the structural causes of these issues. “Instead of tackling the root problems, the government has opted for optics—distributing food in carefully choreographed ceremonies while the underlying suffering deepens,” he stated.
Atiku further criticized the Tinubu administration for policy failures that have led to declining agricultural productivity in Northern Nigeria. He indicated that insecurity has forced many farmers to abandon their lands, severely disrupting food supply chains.
“It is ironic that the same government now seeks to exploit the resulting hardship by turning food into a campaign tool,” he added. Atiku stressed the need for genuine, sustainable food security policies rather than temporary relief measures masked as political initiatives.
He recalled a similar incident during Ramadan last year when Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, conducted a widely publicized food distribution campaign in the North. Atiku suggested this had laid the groundwork for a continued approach of politicizing food aid.
“Let it be said without equivocation: Nigerians are not beggars to be pacified with periodic handouts while their livelihoods collapse,” he concluded.
This statement comes on the heels of the First Lady’s announcement on Thursday regarding the distribution of palliative food items valued at 1.2 billion naira.
