Abati Faults Tinubu for Blaming Opposition for Hunger, Poverty

Arise Television anchor, Reuben Abati, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for blaming opposition parties for hunger and poverty in Nigeria, urging the President to focus on addressing the rising cost of living.

Abati made the remarks on Monday during Arise Television’s Morning Show, following Tinubu’s comments at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday.

At the event, Tinubu had accused the opposition of creating hunger and poverty in the country.

“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created hunger, they created poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” the President said.

Reacting, Abati argued that the ruling APC had been in power since 2015 and should take responsibility for addressing the economic challenges confronting Nigerians.

He questioned how opposition parties could be blamed for the current hardship when they were not in control of the federal government.

Abati also pointed to the increase in petrol prices since Tinubu assumed office, saying the rise had contributed to higher food prices and increased pressure on household finances.

“You met the price of fuel at about N195, but now fuel is N1400 to N1500 per litre. That rise has caused food prices to go up. Bag of rice, garri, beans have all increased,” he said.

The television anchor also highlighted the increase in the price of garri, noting that it reportedly sold for about N500 per paint measure when Tinubu took office but now costs around N2,500.

According to Abati, the removal of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira are among the government’s policies that have contributed to the economic difficulties experienced by Nigerians.

He urged Tinubu to stop blaming the opposition and concentrate on policies that would ease the burden of rising living costs.

Abati’s comments come amid continuing public debate over the federal government’s economic reforms, their impact on food and transportation costs, and the responsibility of political leaders to address the country’s cost-of-living challenges.