Atiku’s Aide Accuses Tinubu of Economic Mismanagement Leading to Hunger Crisis

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communications to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, attributing hunger and economic hardship to what he described as the “shambolic policies” of the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

Shaibu, in a statement in Abuja, argued that Nigerians are facing unprecedented hunger and poverty due to Tinubu’s alleged plan to decimate the population and pauperize them. He accused Tinubu of deflecting blame onto his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, and opposition parties while failing to address the challenges facing the nation.

Highlighting the impact of Tinubu’s policies, Shaibu stated that poverty has reached an all-time high, with food inflation at 33%. He predicted adverse effects on unemployment, suicide rates, crime, and the number of out-of-school children. The aide claimed that Tinubu’s administration has led to the closure of approximately 10 million small and micro businesses.

Shaibu also pointed out the challenges faced by ordinary citizens, citing the rising prices of basic commodities like rice, beans, bread, and eggs. He emphasized the dire situation, including people resorting to consuming rejected rice grains and maize shafts meant for livestock as staple foods.

The statement further highlighted mental health concerns, citing a 100% increase in psychiatric patients admitted to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Lagos, in December. Shaibu claimed that economic hardship has pushed some individuals to commit suicide, emphasizing the need for righteous leadership.

Shaibu criticized Tinubu’s economic prescriptions, stating that they have made the Naira the worst-performing currency in Africa, according to Bloomberg. He accused Tinubu of abruptly removing fuel subsidies and forcing the Central Bank to float the currency, leading to adverse consequences on Nigerians.

The aide accused Tinubu of diverting funds meant for poor Nigerians and alleged that his appointments prioritized loyalty over competence. Shaibu criticized the size of Tinubu’s cabinet, claiming it wasted the country’s resources. He pointed out alleged unnecessary expenditures, such as buying a yacht, renovating government facilities, and approving funds for SUVs for National Assembly members.

In conclusion, Shaibu argued that Tinubu’s limited understanding of Nigeria’s economy, based on his experience in Lagos, has hindered his ability to address national challenges. He criticized Tinubu’s reliance on multilateral organizations and questioned the effectiveness of his leadership at the national level.