Former Nigerian Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has lamented the worsening economic conditions in the country, describing the situation as “getting out of control.”
Abubakar made this remark on Tuesday while hosting the leadership of the Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights, led by Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
He noted that the growing struggle of many Nigerians to afford basic necessities such as food and transportation.
“Everybody is crying about this hardship and it seems to be getting out of control, people cannot afford three square meals.
“The issue of transportation, the hike in fuel, the hike in school fees for the children and the lack of funds in everybody’s pocket is making life difficult for everybody,” the elder statesman observed.
Gen. Abubakar revealed that he is part of a forum that has submitted three recommendations to the federal government to address the ongoing economic hardship.
READ ALSO: Edo Guber: Tinubu Didn’t Sign Peace Accord, You Can’t Force PDP — Kukah Tells Committee
He emphasized that distributing palliatives is not the solution to rising food prices and other essential commodities across the country.
Instead, he proposed that the government should offer affordable food options by purchasing and selling essential goods at reduced prices.’
According to him: “There is a need for government to flood and saturate the communities with food, let them (government) buy food and sell it at lesser prices to the people so that people will try to buy some of these food items depending on their pockets and income.”
Abubakar also called for peaceful protests ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance demonstration on October 1, reminding people of the violence and looting that overshadowed previous protests.
He lamented: “During the last protest, we saw unnecessary, uncalled for carnage, theft and criminalities; instead of protesting, the people went about looting even private houses; private individuals suffered in the hands of the demonstrators.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Abdullahi Jabi, informed the elder statesman that they were visiting to celebrate his birthday with him, offering prayers for his long life and continued good health.
Jabi also called on Gen. Abubakar to use his influence to encourage the federal government to address the pressing issues of hardship and hunger in the country, while seeking his support for the implementation of some of the delegation’s initiatives.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
