In a recent commentary, Paul Ibe, the media aide to Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, weighed in on the prevailing challenges faced by Nigerians, deeming them not unexpected.
Highlighting the hardships and hunger prevalent during President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Ibe compared them to the struggles under former President Muhammadu Buhari, suggesting that the current situation is a heightened version of what transpired previously.
Expressing his opinion in a statement released over the weekend, Ibe criticized the Tinubu government for allegedly overlooking the immense difficulties experienced by Nigerians, which he views as a sign of unpreparedness for governance from the very beginning.
Furthermore, he asserted that the various adversities faced under Buhari’s tenure have exacerbated under the leadership of Tinubu.
Reflecting on the current state of affairs, the statement conveyed, “Challenges certainly existed previously, which necessitated the mandate you received. Numerous shortcomings occurred under the Buhari regime. The economy experienced consecutive recessions during the last APC administration due to incompetence in economic matters, rampant nepotism, and corruption.
“While Buhari may have faltered, Tinubu’s administration appears to have magnified those errors. What is unfolding today can be likened to an intensified version of Buhari’s reign. The fractures present during Buhari’s time have deepened into chasms under the current administration. How can the prices of essential commodities decrease when farmers are still unable to return to their fields due to insecurity?
“Consider the ongoing saga surrounding the Dangote Refinery; this refinery witnessed a $20 billion investment from taxpayers during the previous administration, despite its shortcomings. It was expected that by now, our domestic requirements would be adequately met, and exports would contribute significantly to our foreign exchange reserves. However, we find ourselves grappling with uncertainties.
“What is the explanation for this state of affairs? Has the current administration engaged in any agreements with overseas entities that might jeopardize this investment? Unfortunately, there are no indications suggesting that this government is equipped to address our nation’s challenges.”