Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has lamented the acute hunger, hardship and the worsening economic conditions in the country, saying that the situation is “getting out of control.”
Abubakar raised the alarm while hosting the leadership of the Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights, led by Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, at his uphill residence in Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday.
The former military head of state highlighted the struggles of many Nigerians in meeting basic needs such as food and transportation.
“Everyone is complaining about the hardship, and it seems to be getting out of control. People can’t afford three square meals.
“The rise in transportation costs, fuel prices, school fees, and the lack of money in people’s pockets is making life unbearable,” he stated.
He revealed that he was part of a forum that submitted three recommendations to the federal government on how to address the economic crisis, stressing that providing palliatives was not a sustainable solution to the rising prices of food and other commodities.
He suggested that the government intervene by purchasing essential food items and selling them at lower prices to make them more affordable.
“The government should flood communities with food, buy and sell at reduced prices, allowing people to purchase based on their income levels,” he proposed.
Abubakar also called for peaceful protests in light of the upcoming #EndBadGovernance demonstration on October 1, recalling the violence and looting that accompanied previous protests.
He lamented, “During the last protest, we witnessed needless destruction, theft, and criminal activity. Instead of peaceful protests, people resorted to looting private homes, causing unnecessary harm.”
Earlier, Abdullahi Jabi, leader of the visiting delegation, expressed his congratulations to Abubakar on his recent birthday and wished him long life and good health.
He also urged the elder statesman to appeal to the federal government to address the economic crisis and lend support to the organisation’s initiatives.