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Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s over its handling of fuel subsidy savings and funding for Nigeria’s public universities.
Atiku accused the Federal Government of engaging in what he described as a “cynical economic deception,” arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy has increased financial pressure on millions of Nigerians without corresponding improvements in social support.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the latest threat of industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) exposed what he described as the gap between the government’s promises and its actions.
He argued that the government had previously indicated that resources freed from subsidy removal would be channelled into sectors such as education and other areas that directly benefit citizens.
According to Atiku, Nigerians are currently facing higher food prices, transportation costs and energy bills, while universities continue to struggle with funding challenges.
He said a government that removes economic relief from citizens without providing adequate social protection should not expect Nigerians to continue accepting calls for sacrifice.
Atiku’s comments come amid renewed concerns over the possibility of another ASUU strike and the broader challenges confronting Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The former vice president has repeatedly criticised the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and its impact on households and businesses.
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Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.