In a candid message to Nigerians, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took to his X account to outline the strategies he believes could have steered Nigeria away from its current economic and social turmoil.
Acknowledging the inquiries about how he would handle national challenges if he were president, Abubakar emphasized that the focus should be on President Tinibu’s administration but felt compelled to share his vision.
“I would have planned with precision,” Atiku began, hinting at a comprehensive reform journey encapsulated in his “Covenant With Nigerians” document. Unlike the current administration’s “trial-and-error” approach, he said his strategy would have involved robust planning, effective diagnostics, and stakeholder engagement, all aiming to stabilize Nigeria’s fragile economy and protect it from further collapse.
One of Atiku’s key criticisms focused on the government’s handling of economic reforms, particularly the simultaneous removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate adjustments, and electricity tariff hikes. Labeling this approach as “overkill,” he argued that these moves had worsened the plight of ordinary Nigerians without adequately preparing for the consequences.
Atiku highlighted the importance of effective communication and empathy in governance, stressing that transparent and civil communication with the public builds trust. “We would have led with empathy,” he wrote, explaining that his administration would have prioritized social protection programs to support vulnerable citizens rather than relying on “palliative economy” solutions.
On security, Atiku outlined reforms he would have implemented on day one, including better funding and a Special Presidential Welfare Initiative for security personnel. His approach aimed at restoring public trust, fiscal discipline, and strategic support for those most affected by the ongoing economic crisis.
In closing, Atiku underscored that while he was not the president, he hoped Tinibu’s administration would consider adopting some of his ideas in the spirit of unity and progress for all Nigerians.
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