‘Atiku majored in hygiene, cannot rule Nigeria’s modern economy’ — Shettima

By Enitan Abdultawab Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticised former vice president Atiku Abubakar over his proposal to restore fuel subsidy, questioning his ability to govern Nigeria’s modern economy. Shettima said Atiku’s proposal would push the country back into poverty, accusing the former vice president of supporting the return of subsidy for political reasons.

Speaking at the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday, Shettima said, “One of the leading presidential candidates is advocating for the return of the subsidy scheme. He wants us to backslide into penury for political convenience.” He also questioned Atiku’s professional background, referring to his training at the Kano School of Hygiene as he challenged his capacity to manage the country’s economy.

“I dare to put forward that his skill set — he was trained in sanitation at the Kano School of Hygiene — so he doesn’t have the skill set to govern a modern economy. That’s the painful truth,” Shettima said. Shettima further questioned Atiku’s knowledge of environmental sanitation, using the difference between flu and Ebola to make his point. “Even his decisions in environmental sanitation, I do not think he can make a distinction between flu and even Ebola,” he said.

Shettima urged Nigerians to assess the proposals and qualifications of political leaders before making decisions, warning against ignoring the implications of their choices. “Nigerians must have to decide and those of you here cannot afford to play the ostrich,” he added. Atiku has advocated the restoration of fuel subsidy as part of his proposed approach to managing the economy.

The issue remains a major point of disagreement between the opposition and the administration of President Bola Tinubu, which removed the subsidy in May 2023. While the government has defended the removal as necessary to reduce the financial burden on public finances, the policy has been accompanied by higher fuel prices and increased living costs for many Nigerians.