ABUJA, Nigeria — Arise News anchor Reuben Abati has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s economy amid the ongoing energy crisis, suggesting that former President Muhammadu Buhari is “laughing” over the situation from his hometown in Daura, Katsina State.
Commenting on the recent hike in fuel prices and the general increase in energy costs, Abati said Tinubu has provided Buhari with reasons to gloat, especially given the pre-election assertions about Tinubu’s economic competence.
“Most SMEs have shut down because they don’t have access to petrol, they don’t have access to electricity. Diesel is expensive,” Abati said during a broadcast. “Meanwhile, you find the same people who were told ‘ẹ lọ fọkan balẹ’ (go and be rest assured) have been crippled.”
He continued: “Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a situation whereby President Muhammadu Buhari, now in his Daura village in Katsina, will be laughing. He will say, ‘I thought they said these Yoruba people know the economy. Now the economy is in their hands. They have taken it down; they have mismanaged it.'”
Abati highlighted the perception that individuals from the South West are better at managing the economy, a notion he believes is now being challenged. “What we are facing is a gross embarrassment in terms of economic management to people who come from the South West who say that people from the South West are better at managing the economy. We have not seen that evidence,” he said.
Tinubu, who campaigned on his ability to revitalize Nigeria’s economy, has faced mounting criticism over rising energy costs and their impact on businesses and citizens alike. The increase in fuel prices has led to widespread discontent, with many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling to operate.
The presidency has yet to respond to Abati’s comments. However, supporters of Tinubu argue that the administration needs more time to implement its economic policies effectively.
