Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar abruptly criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his breach of the pending salary awards owed to federal officials, describing the government as insensitive and economically poorly administered.
Atiku lamented that despite the promises of cushioning the impact of the elimination of fuel subsidies with a monthly salary award of 35,000 per month, the government has only paid six months, leaving workers four months of unpaid delays for a value of ₦ 140,000 per worker.
Also read: LG Lagos Survey A Farsa – Youth Fiesta
“The decision to eliminate the gasoline subsidy without the appropriate plans has buried the average Nigerian under the weight of inflation, hunger and despair,” ATIKU said.
He condemned the administration of Tinubu for taking 10 months excessive to finish the new minimum wage figure, calling a broken pact that has exacerbated the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.
“That promise, like many others under this government, has become a broken pact,” Atiku said.
Atiku also criticized the government's approach to labor problems, saying: “While several state governments have shown a commendable responsibility in labor affairs, the federal government led by Tinubu has distinguished itself by its total disdain for the welfare of workers.”
He demanded the immediate and unconditional liberation of the Labor activist Andrew Uche Emelieze, who was arrested and detained for trying to organize a peaceful protest for the unpaid salary awards.
“Nigerian workers will not be silenced, intimidated or forgotten. The economic difficulty is real, hunger is biting and the government has the duty to act, not repressing,” said Atiku.
He warned that the government approach reflects a growing authoritarian trend and urged the administration to participate in the dialogue and fulfill their promises instead of resorting to tyranny and the suppression of freedom of expression.
Atiku's criticism underlines the growing dissatisfaction with the management of the economic and social problems of the current administration, reinforcing its call to a new path to good governance and relief for Nigerians in the midst of continuous difficulties.