Tinubu Defends Economic Policies, Blames Predecessors for Nigeria's Challenges

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his administration's economic policies amid concerns over hunger and the rising cost of living in Nigeria. He attributed the country's economic challenges to previous governments, including the administration in which former Vice President Atiku Abubakar served. Tinubu stated that his government was working to address problems inherited from previous administrations.

Tinubu made the remarks at the Rainbow Coalition Presidential Campaign Rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on November 7. He specifically criticized Atiku, questioning how he established a private university while serving as Vice President under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Tinubu asked who funded the university, suggesting it was public funds.

The President further questioned Atiku's integrity, arguing that individuals without moral standards should not aspire to occupy public offices. He emphasized that a person without moral integrity, latitude, and ethics has no business holding public office. Tinubu's comments reflect his administration's efforts to address criticisms of their handling of the economy.

Tinubu also defended his administration's efforts to address outstanding pension and gratuity payments. He alleged that previous governments left substantial unpaid obligations that his government was now working to clear. The backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities runs into billions and trillions of naira.

The President maintained that his administration was making efforts to ensure retired workers across different professions received their pensions and gratuities without unnecessary delays. He cited examples of retired engineers, welders, and teachers receiving their entitlements on time. This effort aims to alleviate the struggles of many retired Nigerians and their families.

Tinubu's appearance in Rivers State was part of activities organised by the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for his second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The rally featured an address by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who pledged to deliver no fewer than three million votes for the President.

The governor announced that the political arrangement in Rivers State involved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) working together under the Rainbow Coalition. Tinubu was received at the airport by Vice President Kashim Shettima, several South-South governors, and other senior government officials.

Key points

• President Tinubu blames previous governments for Nigeria's economic challenges
• Tinubu criticizes Atiku Abubakar's integrity and handling of public funds
• The administration is working to clear the backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities