Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the administration of worsening poverty and hardship in the country.
Ibe made the remarks while reacting to comments by Daniel Bwala on Channels Television, where Bwala reportedly acknowledged that the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms had increased the number of Nigerians living in poverty.
In a statement shared on his X account, Ibe described the reported admission as an indictment of an administration he accused of prioritising the defence of its policies over the welfare of citizens.
He argued that economic policies should ultimately improve human welfare, saying reforms should not leave citizens impoverished while government celebrates them as necessary sacrifices.
Ibe specifically criticised the removal of petrol subsidies, changes to electricity pricing and other economic measures, claiming they had increased the cost of food, transportation and electricity while undermining businesses. He called for an urgent review of the policies.
He also said Atiku had proposed reviewing the government’s approach to petrol subsidies and electricity pricing, including what he described as a transparent, production-based subsidy framework aimed at reducing energy costs for households and businesses.
The former vice-president has repeatedly criticised Tinubu’s economic programme. In August, Atiku argued that increased government revenues had not translated into improved living conditions and proposed restoring the petrol subsidy if elected president.
The Tinubu administration, however, has defended its reforms, arguing that measures including the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies and foreign-exchange reforms were necessary to stabilise public finances and lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. Tinubu has also acknowledged the hardship caused by the reforms while urging Nigerians to remain patient.
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