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Atiku Criticizes Tinubu’s Policies And Says Rising Costs Are Hurting Nigerians
Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming they are placing significant strain on Nigerians.
Atiku’s statement was issued through his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
On Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson for Tinubu, accused Atiku of harboring envy following his election loss.
Shaibu responded, dismissing Onanuga’s comments as baseless, emphasizing that Atiku is far from jealous of Tinubu’s policies, which he claims are only worsening life for Nigerians.
In a strong statement, Shaibu said, “Atiku jealous of Tinubu inflicting pain on Nigerians? Hell no.
Wickedness is an exclusive preserve of T-Pain.”
Atiku mentioned the government’s failure to implement its own economic promises.
He cited Tinubu’s July 8, 2024 announcement, where the President pledged a 150-day suspension on import duties for essential items like food.
However, more than 120 days later, Atiku pointed out that the policy has yet to be executed, even as Nigerians grapple with skyrocketing prices.
Food inflation, which now stands at over 40%, is one of the highest seen in decades, worsening living conditions and putting essential goods out of reach for many.
He further criticized Tinubu’s administration for what he described as a “brazen disregard” for its own policies, particularly the finance ministry’s delay in formalizing the import duty waiver through an official gazette.
This delay, Atiku argues, shows the incompetence and disorganization in Tinubu’s government.
He added that rather than focus on much-needed governance, the administration is more interested in verbally attacking political opponents like himself and Peter Obi.
He claimed that the administration is even using questionable court actions to create disarray in the opposition.
Atiku also questioned Tinubu’s preparedness for office, calling his administration a series of “policy flip-flops” that have harmed rather than helped Nigerians.
One of his biggest criticisms was Tinubu’s abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy, which Atiku said was done without planning for any support measures to ease the transition for Nigerians.
He noted that the President’s compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative, intended as an alternative, has so far stalled due to inadequate gas infrastructure across most states.
And this is leading to rising transportation costs that further increase food prices.
Atiku also questioned Tinubu’s economic planning in light of his mid-term expenditure framework, which projects an exchange rate of N700 to $1 by 2024 and N650 to $1 by 2025.
Atiku urged Tinubu to dismiss his economic advisers, whom he accused of unrealistic planning and deceiving Nigerians by promoting a foreign exchange reserve of $40 billion, when the net reserve is allegedly much less.
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Pharrell Responds to Drake’s Comments on Melting Down His Jewelry
Grammy-winning producer and Louis Vuitton men’s creative director, Pharrell, has addressed Drake’s 2023 comments about buying and threatening to melt down his old jewelry.
In a recent interview with GG Magazine, Pharrell reflected on auctioning his jewelry in 2022, saying, “You never realize how much all the stuff you have weighs on you, but it does… When you let that go, man, you feel so free.”
Asked how he felt about Drake’s remarks in his verse on Travis Scott’s “Meltdown,” Pharrell responded, “It didn’t.” In that verse, Drake took a jab, rapping about melting down Pharrell’s chains and dismissing their heritage value.
Drake’s $3.3 million jewelry haul included unique pieces like a N.E.R.D. pendant chain and a skateboard chain, which he showcased in his “Jumbotron Shit Poppin” video.
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Peter Obi Calls to Celebrate Academics at Osuntokun’s Launch
Yesterday, Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, attended the launch of The Noble Academic and Patriot,
A Biography of Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun OON (The Baaptian of Oyo Kingdom) at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event was a significant gathering, bringing together influential figures from various walks of life to honor a distinguished academic who has made lasting contributions to Nigeria and the field of international affairs.
The launch was attended by prominent personalities, including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General and a renowned diplomat whose contributions to peace-building and global cooperation are well-respected.
Also present was Pastor Tunde Bakare, Serving Overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church, known for his advocacy on national issues and his call for ethical leadership in Nigeria.
Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and a respected scholar in his own right, was also in attendance, adding his voice to the celebration of Professor Osuntokun’s legacy.
In his address, Peter Obi spoke with reverence about the impact of Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, highlighting the need for society to celebrate academics and intellectuals who dedicate their lives to knowledge and integrity.
While he did not know Professor Osuntokun personally, Obi was moved by the tributes shared by former students and colleagues of the professor.
Obi noted that Professor Osuntokun’s dedication to his field, particularly in education, is a much-needed example for today’s society, where such values are often overlooked.
Reflecting on the professor’s legacy, Obi lamented that Nigerian society often celebrates “thuggery and mediocrity” over intellectual achievement and moral integrity.
He expressed concern that values like scholarship, dedication, and genuine service to society are no longer prioritized.
Again, he made emphasis that education, which is central to Professor Osuntokun’s contributions, remains critical to societal growth and should be celebrated as a path to a better, more united Nigeria.
“May his dedication continue to inspire Nigerians to strive for excellence, uphold integrity, and pursue unity,” Obi stated.
Also, he called for a renewed commitment among Nigerians to reject mediocrity and violence, insisting that a “new Nigeria is POssible,” a message that resonates deeply with his supporters.
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Another Tanker Explodes in Jigawa, Quick Response Prevents Death
Another tanker explosion has hit Jigawa State, sparking fear among residents of Tsaida community in Dutse Local Government Area.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a devastating tanker explosion just weeks earlier in Majia town, Taura LGA, where over 150 lives were tragically lost.
Aliyu M. A., the spokesperson for the Federal Fire Service, shared details of the incident in a statement.
According to him, the service received an urgent call on the morning of November 12, 2024, from Zubairu Ahmad, the village head of Kuho, alerting them to the tanker accident at Tsaida, located near Kwanar Kalle along the Maiduri Road.
This area, with its busy roads, has seen increasing traffic from heavy-duty vehicles transporting fuel and other goods across the region, making such incidents a rising concern.
In response to the distress call, Federal Fire Service personnel, supported by security teams, immediately mobilized and rushed to the scene.
Their swift action helped to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading further and causing additional damage.
The firefighters worked alongside police and local security forces, whose coordinated efforts were instrumental in bringing the situation under control.
Thanks to these combined efforts, no lives were lost in this incident, though one person sustained a minor injury.
Aliyu commended the prompt response and teamwork that helped avert a major tragedy, emphasizing the importance of quick action during emergencies.
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