Atiku: Tinubu’s weaponization of poverty must end by 2027
…Our elites don’t understand poverty – Kano Emir, Sanusi
In a bold statement during a public lecture in Abuja, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the current government of deliberately using poverty as a tool for control, stating, “This particular government is weaponising poverty. That is why we are in this alliance – to make sure we don’t allow them to continue to weaponise poverty.”
Atiku, along with former Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, spoke at the event commemorating Amaechi’s 60th birthday, centered around the theme “Weaponisation of poverty as a means of underdevelopment: A case study of Nigeria.”
Reflecting on his youth in Kano, Atiku lamented the stark rise in poverty, saying, “I never saw people sleeping outside or outside their shops… Recently, I saw people sleeping on the streets and under the bridges who were driven out by poverty.” He also pointed out the obstacles faced by local agencies attempting to address these issues.
Amaechi echoed similar sentiments, criticizing Bola Tinubu’s leadership abilities, emphasizing his refusal to support him, stating, “I told Tinubu in Yola, I will not support you; I will not work for you. It was the issue of capacity.” He urged the audience to unite for political change, declaring, “If you want us to remove this man, we can remove this man from power.”
El-Rufai also contributed, expressing frustration over repeating electoral mistakes, stating, “We are in this coalition to put Nigeria back on the right track.”
Cardinal John Onaiyekan highlighted the moral obligations of politicians, urging them to serve the populace rather than pursue personal wealth.
The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, shared his encounters with poverty, urging leaders to reassess their priorities and responsibility towards the citizens they govern.
Source: Vanguard newspaper
