Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has expressed support for the demand by organised labour for a substantial increase in the minimum wage. In a statement, Atiku criticized President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, saying they have led to a "ruthless economic squeeze" on workers. He accused the Tinubu administration of failing to provide credible protection for working families.
Atiku's statement, released by the Director of Strategic Communications of the party's presidential campaign council, Phrank Shaibu, described the government's removal of the petrol subsidy as "reckless". This move, Atiku said, sent prices soaring without adequate measures to cushion the effects on workers. He likened the situation to the government pulling away the floor from under workers and offering them a flimsy umbrella, while applauding itself as the "rain beats down" on them.
According to Atiku, the effects of Tinubu's policies have been devastating, with fuel, transport, food, and rent devouring workers' earnings. He described this situation as a "callous way to govern people who work hard and ask only for the means to live". Atiku also accused Tinubu of asking Nigerians to make sacrifices without treating the suffering that followed as an afterthought.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has called on Nigerians to uphold peace and unity as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. Akume made this appeal at the National Church Service organised as part of activities marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary in Abuja.
Akume urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 elections with hope, emphasizing that votes should not be cast along lines that promote division. He stated that democracy could only be sustained when citizens prioritized peace and unity. The SGF also noted that Nigeria's 66-year journey had been marked by sacrifices, challenges, and achievements.
In his remarks, Akume highlighted that Nigeria had recorded two and a half decades of uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999. He encouraged Nigerians to choose dialogue over discord and unity over separation, so that the electoral process truly reflects the will of a united people.
The divergent views by Atiku and Akume reflect the complexities of Nigeria's current socio-economic and political landscape. While Atiku focuses on economic challenges and proposed solutions, Akume emphasizes the importance of unity and peace in the face of upcoming elections.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar supports a higher minimum wage to alleviate workers' suffering under President Tinubu's economic policies.
- President Tinubu's policies have led to increased prices and economic hardship for Nigerians.
- Senator George Akume urges Nigerians to prioritize peace and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
