Tukur Buratai, a former Chief of Army Staff, decries Bola Tinubu’s government for “radically and massively” impoverishing Nigerians through its policies.
Buratai made the statement on Saturday at the birthday lecture of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, saying that while past leaders gradually impoverished the masses, the Tinubu-led government has taken a more radical approach to make Nigerians poorer.
“During the time of IBB, the Structural Adjustment Programme and the belt-tightening policies, the foreign exchange and deregulation started fully during IBB’s period. It went on to fuel deregulation.
“Under the Shagari era, Obasanjo’s presidency, Jonathan’s presidency and of course Buhari’s presidency, we saw gradual pauperisation of Nigerians. The poverty level continuously increased gradually,” Buratai said.
He maintained that Tinubu’s government increased poverty massively through a radical approach to its policies.
The former army chief stated, “The only difference with this Tinubu-led administration is that it came more radical. It is massive and sudden. It – poverty – was not gradual like the previous administrations.
“It has its own advantages. It shows a change from what we have been doing. We have been suffering gradually and smiling. But this time around, it came fully to show that we must get it right.”
Buratai further berated the current administration for its insensitivity to the sufferings of the Nigerian masses due to its policies.
“The main challenge is the seeming insensitivity to the massive impact of government policies – poverty insecurity are real. We all know. We believe probably the second half of this administration will make a difference. Otherwise, I can see the coalition working hard,” Buratai said.
