Nigerians Now Pay Ransom Like House Rent, School Fees – Atiku

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over worsening insecurity and economic hardship in the country, saying many Nigerians now treat ransom payments like regular household expenses.

Atiku made the remarks in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

He described the presidency’s comparison of Nigeria’s debt profile with those of other African countries as insensitive to the plight of ordinary citizens struggling to survive.

According to him, “It is both astonishing and insulting that at a time when millions of Nigerians can barely afford one meal a day, the presidency is celebrating debt figures as though indebtedness were an achievement.”

The former Vice President said insecurity had made road travel increasingly dangerous across the country, with many families living in fear of kidnappings.

“In many parts of Nigeria today, travelling by road has become a gamble with death. Families go to bed praying not to receive midnight calls announcing the abduction of loved ones,” he said.

Atiku added that ransom payments had become part of everyday survival for many households.

“Ransom payments have become as routine as school fees and house rent in many homes,” he stated.

He also blamed rising insecurity for declining food production, noting that many farmers could no longer access their farmlands due to attacks by armed groups.

“As a result, food production has declined sharply, leading to hunger, rising prices, and widespread hardship,” he added.

While acknowledging that borrowing could support development when properly managed, Atiku argued that Nigeria’s growing debt burden had not translated into improved living conditions for citizens.

He further accused the Federal Government of prioritising propaganda over tackling the country’s economic and security challenges, urging immediate action to prevent further decline.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

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