Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the federal government of deliberately using poverty as a tool to control Nigerians.
Atiku made the statement on Saturday in Abuja during a lecture to mark the 60th birthday of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi. The theme of the lecture was “Weaponising Poverty in Nigeria.”
According to Atiku, Nigeria is currently experiencing a dangerous form of governance where poverty is used by those in power to weaken and silence the people.
“What we are experiencing now in Nigeria is state weaponisation of poverty,” Atiku said. “When I was growing up in the North, Kano State was one of the most prosperous. You would never see people sleeping under bridges or outside shops. But today, it’s a common sight.”
He further explained that efforts by a state agency in Kano to assist homeless people were allegedly halted by higher authorities. “They started helping people, removing them from under the bridges. But what happened? They were called in and told to stop. This shows poverty is being used as a tool,” Atiku said.
He also revealed that this belief is one reason why he joined a political coalition aimed at challenging the status quo. “Call me a conspirator if you want, but that’s why we’re in this alliance—to stop this government from using poverty against the people,” he added.
In his own remarks, Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, linked the growing level of insecurity in Nigeria to increasing poverty. He said hunger and hardship do not recognise tribe or religion.
“This government has made more people poor, and that poverty is leading to more insecurity and crime,” Amaechi said.
He reminded Nigerians that they hold the real power to change their situation. “The power belongs to the people. If they are not happy with their leaders, they can vote them out,” he said.
Both Atiku and Amaechi’s comments come amid growing concerns over inflation, unemployment, and rising food prices, which have made life increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.
