‘Atiku wants to push Nigeria back into poverty’ — Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his proposal to restore petrol subsidy, accusing him of promoting a policy that could push Nigeria back into poverty for political reasons.

Shettima made the remarks on Monday at the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he questioned the economic implications of Atiku’s proposal and his suitability to manage Nigeria’s economy.

“One of the leading presidential candidates is advocating for the return of the subsidy scheme. He wants us to backslide into penury for political convenience,” the Vice-President said.

Shettima also questioned Atiku’s professional background, referring to his training at the Kano School of Hygiene while arguing that the former vice-president lacked the expertise required to manage a modern economy.

“I dare to put forward that his skill set — he was trained in sanitation at the Kano School of Hygiene — so he doesn’t have the skill set to govern a modern economy. That’s the painful truth,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President further questioned Atiku’s understanding of environmental sanitation, drawing a comparison between influenza and Ebola.

“Even his decisions in environmental sanitation, I do not think he can make a distinction between flu and even Ebola,” he added.

Shettima urged Nigerians to carefully examine the policies and qualifications of political leaders before making electoral decisions, warning against overlooking the potential consequences of their choices.

“Nigerians must have to decide and those of you here cannot afford to play the ostrich,” he said.

Atiku has advocated restoring petrol subsidy as part of his proposed approach to managing the economy, making the policy a point of disagreement between the opposition and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023, a decision the Federal Government has defended as necessary to ease the financial burden on public finances and redirect resources towards other priorities.

However, the removal has been accompanied by higher petrol prices and increased living costs for many Nigerians, making subsidy policy a contentious issue in the country’s economic and political debate.

Shettima’s comments add to the ongoing exchange between figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition leaders over the direction of Nigeria’s economy and the policies that should guide its management.

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