Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of implementing ineffective policies that have led to widespread hunger, poverty, and hardship in Nigeria. Shaibu believes that Tinubu’s ultimate goal is to impoverish Nigerians.
Shaibu criticized Tinubu for blaming his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, for the economic challenges and accused the administration of causing uncertainty in the private sector, resulting in the closure of approximately 10 million small and micro-businesses.
He further criticized Tinubu’s economic prescriptions, pointing to the devaluation of the Naira, sudden removal of petrol subsidies, and the failure to reduce transportation costs as promised.
Shaibu also accused Tinubu of prioritizing loyalty over competence in appointments and wasting resources on unnecessary expenditures. He cited examples such as appointing an excessively large cabinet, renovating the Presidential Villa and the Vice President’s residence, sending a large delegation to Dubai for the COP28, and approving over N120 billion for SUVs for National Assembly members.
Shaibu argued that Tinubu’s limited experience in Lagos has hindered his understanding of Nigeria’s economy, as Lagos has always had a formal economy. He accused Tinubu of riding to power on the false claim of transforming Lagos’ economy, when in reality, Lagos has always been the country’s commercial capital.
Shaibu concluded that Tinubu lacks knowledge about security and building a national economy, leading to his reliance on international organizations like the IMF.
These statements reflect the perspective and opinions of Phrank Shaibu and should be understood within that context.
