Former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has called on the federal government to address the severe economic hardship currently affecting Nigerians.
Speaking on Tuesday in Minna, Niger State, during a meeting with a delegation from the Campaign for Democracy (CD), a Civil Society Organization (CSO), Abubakar expressed concern over the escalating difficulties faced by citizens.
Abubakar noted that the situation appears to be worsening, stating, “Everybody is crying because of this hardship and it seems to be getting out of control.”
He highlighted issues such as the inability to afford basic necessities, transportation challenges, rising fuel prices, increased school fees, and a general lack of funds.
He emphasized that palliatives alone would not resolve the high prices of food and other essentials. “The answer is the need for the government to flood and saturate the communities with food. Let the government buy food and sell it at lesser prices, so people can buy the food items of their choice, depending on their income,” Abubakar said.
Abubakar also urged those planning to protest against the economic crisis on October 1 to do so peacefully, advising, “For God’s sake when you demonstrate, do it peacefully.”
He reiterated the need for comprehensive measures by federal, state, and local governments to alleviate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
