Former Nigerian Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has raised concerns about the nation’s worsening economic hardship, warning that the situation is “getting out of control.”
He made these remarks when he received the leadership of the Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights, led by Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
Abubakar highlighted that many Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to meet basic needs 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,” he said.
He further pointed out the challenges of transportation, the rising cost of fuel, school fees, and the general lack of money in circulation, making life harder for Nigerians.
Abubakar disclosed that a forum he belongs to had made three recommendations to the federal government as potential solutions to the economic crisis, noting that palliatives alone would not address the surging prices of food and other essential commodities.
He suggested that the government intervene directly by making food more affordable, proposing that the government buy and sell essential items at lower prices to ease the burden on citizens.
“There is a need for the government to flood and saturate the communities with food. Let them buy food and sell it at lesser prices to the people so they can buy depending on their pockets and income,” he said.
Abubakar also called for peaceful conduct ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance protest on October 1, recalling the violence and looting that marred previous demonstrations.
“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,” he lamented.
Earlier, Abdullahi Jabi, the leader of the delegation, said they visited the elder statesman to celebrate his birthday and prayed for his long life and good health.
He also urged Abubakar to use his influence to press the federal government to address the issue of hardship and hunger in the country, while seeking his support for the group’s programmes.
