Mockery of millions: Atiku knocks presidency over hardship denial

African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Bola Tinubu administration for comments suggesting that reports of hardship and insecurity in Nigeria are being overstated.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused the Presidency of trying to shift blame to the media instead of addressing the growing challenges facing citizens.

He said claims that the suffering of Nigerians is exaggerated amount to a mockery of millions who are struggling daily to survive. According to him, the government appears increasingly disconnected from the realities facing ordinary people across the country.

Atiku stated that Nigerians are experiencing some of the toughest economic and security conditions in recent years, with rising food prices, unemployment, and declining living standards.

He argued that citizens do not need media reports to understand their situation, pointing out that families struggling to afford meals, business owners losing their investments, unemployed graduates, and pensioners facing financial hardship are living the reality every day.

The former vice president also rejected suggestions that insecurity is being amplified by the media. He said violent attacks, kidnappings, terrorism, and killings in states such as Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Oyo are real events affecting communities nationwide.

Atiku maintained that the media did not create the economic crisis or the security threats confronting Nigerians, urging the government to acknowledge the problems and focus on practical solutions.