Nigeria experiencing state weaponisation of poverty – Atiku
Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the federal government of deliberately weaponising poverty to suppress Nigerians. Speaking at the 60th birthday lecture of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in Abuja, themed “Weaponising Poverty in Nigeria,” Atiku claimed that the current administration is using economic hardship as a means of control.
Reflecting on the decline in living conditions, Atiku lamented that cities like Kano, once thriving, now grapple with rising homelessness and insecurity. He cited reports of a state agency in Kano being told to stop helping the homeless as part of what he believes is a broader agenda of maintaining power through deprivation.
Reaffirming his support for opposition alliances, Atiku said, “You may call me a conspirator… but we must stop them from continuing to weaponise poverty.”
In his remarks, Rotimi Amaechi echoed similar concerns, linking rising insecurity to deepening poverty. He stressed that hunger transcends tribe and religion, urging citizens to recognize their power to vote out underperforming leaders.
The event highlighted growing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic issues and called for urgent reforms.
