Emmanuel OchayiFormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing economic hardship that Nigerians are facing, particularly due to the rise in fuel price. Atiku, who was the 2023 presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, accusing Tinubu of being indifferent to the struggles of the masses.
Atiku wrote, “The haphazard and disingenuous approach of the current administration to fuel subsidy management has been why we are in this economic crisis. T-Pain (Tinubu) is undisturbed by the hardship in the country, which is worsening every day.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFuel Price Hike and Its Impact on Nigerians
The latest rise in the fuel price has created even more distress across the nation. On Wednesday, motorists and commuters were hit with a new shock when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) adjusted the pump price of petrol in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. Many NNPCL outlets in Lagos sold petrol at ₦998 per litre, a sharp jump from ₦855. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the price increased from ₦897 to ₦1,030.
The surge in fuel prices has left many Nigerians scrambling to buy fuel before it rises further, causing long queues at filling stations. “We have no choice but to buy, even if it means queuing for hours,” said Emeka Okafor, a taxi driver in Lagos. “Fuel prices keep going up, and we don’t know what to expect next.”
Panic Buying and Price Increases at Private Stations
Private fuel stations have quickly followed suit. Many stations are now selling petrol for over ₦1,000 per litre, with some outlets in Lagos charging as high as ₦1,050. This has further deepened the frustration and panic among Nigerians, many of whom depend on affordable fuel for their daily transportation needs.
Ibrahim Bello, a small business owner in Abuja, expressed his concern: “Every increase in the fuel price means higher costs for us. Transport fares, food prices, and even basic services are going up. We can barely survive.”
Atiku’s Criticism of Fuel Price Management
Atiku’s criticisms stem from what he describes as Tinubu’s poor handling of the fuel subsidy removal, which has directly led to the continuous fuel price hikes. According to him, the removal of the subsidy was done without a clear plan, leaving Nigerians to bear the brunt of the inflationary pressures.
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“As things stand, there will be no let-up in the escalating inflation rate, which is drowning the material well-being of Nigerians,” Atiku emphasised in his post. He pointed out that the government’s current policies are only worsening the economic crisis, and no concrete steps have been taken to provide relief to the people.
Reactions to the Fuel Price Hike
Atiku’s remarks have sparked a heated debate online, with many Nigerians agreeing with his criticism of the Tinubu administration. “Atiku is right; Tinubu’s policies are bringing more pain than solutions,” one social media user commented. “This isn’t the change we were promised.”
Others, however, have defended the government, arguing that the rise in fuel prices is part of a necessary adjustment for long-term economic stability. A pro-government group released a statement saying, “While the policies may be painful now, they are crucial for sustainable development.”
Government’s Silence Amid the Fuel Price Controversy
Despite the widespread criticism and public outcry over the fuel price increase, President Tinubu has yet to issue any formal statement addressing the issue. His silence has drawn even more backlash, with many calling on the government to take immediate action to ease the hardship being faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“We need leadership that listens to the people,” said Amina Musa, a teacher in Lagos. “The cost of living has become unbearable, and it seems like those in power don’t care.”
As the fuel price continues to rise, so does the tension in the country. Atiku’s “T-Pain” label for Tinubu encapsulates the growing frustration among Nigerians, who are struggling to make ends meet. While some argue that the government’s actions are necessary for long-term economic growth, the immediate impact on daily life is undeniable. The ball is now in President Tinubu’s court, as Nigerians await a response to their concerns.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
