“It’s Getting Out of Control” – Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar Warns of Escalating Economic Hardship

Former Nigerian Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has raised alarm over the country’s worsening economic situation, describing the current hardship as “getting out of control.”

The elder statesman made this statement on Tuesday while hosting the leadership of the Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights, led by Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

During the meeting, Abubakar expressed concern over the increasing struggles faced by Nigerians, particularly with basic necessities such as food and transportation. He noted that many citizens are unable to afford essential needs, a situation that is steadily deteriorating.

“Everybody is crying about this hardship and it seems to be getting out of control,” Abubakar stated. “People cannot afford three square meals. The hike in fuel prices, transportation costs, school fees, and the lack of funds is making life difficult for everybody.”

In response to the crisis, the former leader revealed that he is part of a forum that has submitted three key recommendations to the federal government, emphasizing that providing palliatives is not a long-term solution to the hikes in food and other commodities. Instead, he suggested that the government should take proactive steps to lower the cost of food by purchasing and selling essential items at more affordable prices.

“There is a need for the government to flood and saturate the communities with food,” he advised. “Let them buy food and sell it at lesser prices so that people can afford to buy according to their income.”

As Nigeria prepares for the planned #EndBadGovernance protest on October 1, Gen. Abubakar also called for peaceful demonstrations, cautioning against a repeat of the violence and looting that marred earlier protests.

“During the last protest, we saw unnecessary and uncalled for carnage, theft, and criminality. Instead of protesting peacefully, people went about looting, even targeting private homes,” he lamented.

Earlier, Abdullahi Jabi, leader of the visiting delegation, congratulated the former head of state on his recent birthday and expressed hopes for his continued health. He also urged Gen. Abubakar to use his influence to press the government into taking urgent action to alleviate the country’s hardship and hunger.