Atiku Issues Strong Warning To Tinubu After FG Made Unexpected Announcement; SEE What Was Announced
Former Nigeria’ s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed strong opposition to the Federal Government’ s plan to raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7. 5% to 10%.
In a statement posted on his verified social media account, Atiku, the presidential candidate of the People’ s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, argued that the policy would worsen the cost- of- living crisis in Nigeria and harm the country’ s already fragile economy.
Atiku pointed out that the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel, by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), has already placed a significant financial burden on the public. He believes that raising VAT would further deepen this crisis, affecting everyday Nigerians who are already struggling with rising living costs.
Describing the move as dangerous, Atiku said, ” The increase in VAT is set to become the blazing inferno that will consume the very essence of our people. ” He warned that such a tax hike could create a ripple effect, leading to increased prices of goods and services, which would hit the poor the hardest.
Atiku also criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing his administration of insensitivity toward the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. He highlighted what he sees as the government’ s focus on luxurious spending, such as renovating presidential villas and purchasing new vehicles and jets, while ignoring the plight of the less fortunate.
He emphasized that one does not need to be an economist to understand the negative impact of the government’ s policies. ” The relentless rise in taxes and interest rates has proven excessively onerous, debilitating businesses of all sizes and leading to job losses while intensifying the suffering of the poor, ” he added.
Atiku further criticized the government’ s recent policy allowing duty- free imports of agricultural products like wheat, maize, and paddy. He argued that this move harms local farmers who are unable to compete with cheaper imports from other regions such as Asia, Europe, and America.
According to Atiku, this policy could threaten Nigeria’ s food security, reduce job opportunities, and undermine long- term growth in the agricultural sector.
In conclusion, Atiku warned that President Tinubu’ s administration is resorting to familiar tactics by placing heavy financial burdens on the poor, while disregarding the consequences of its policies on the nation’ s future. He urged the government to reconsider these economic decisions, which he believes could harm Nigeria’ s sustainability and overall development.
