Atiku Abubakar has come down hard on President Bola Tinubu, blaming his swift removal of fuel subsidy for the economic pain many Nigerians are facing today. According to the former Vice President, the decision has only deepened inflation, hunger, and hopelessness across the country. Also, he slammed the arrest and ongoing detention of labour activist Comrade Andrew Uche Emelieze, calling it a direct attack on democracy and a clear warning sign of rising authoritarianism under Tinubu’s leadership.

In a statement released Sunday, Atiku accused the government of breaking its promise to workers. He pointed to the N35,000 wage award Tinubu promised as a temporary relief measure, saying it has now turned into yet another unfulfilled pledge. Emelieze was reportedly arrested while trying to lead a peaceful protest demanding the payment of that very wage award.

Atiku showed concern that it took the government almost a year to settle on a new minimum wage, describing the delay as unacceptable. He praised state governments that have handled labour matters better, contrasting them with the federal government, which he said has shown little to no concern for the welfare of Nigerian workers.

Finally, Atiku demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Emelieze and urged the government to stop using fear and repression as a response to citizens’ cries. “Nigerian workers are suffering,” he said. “The government needs to step up and respond with solutions, not silence or suppression.”