Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over what he described as its failure to honor critical commitments to Nigerian workers, particularly regarding the non-payment of outstanding wage awards to federal civil servants. Atiku accused the government of insensitivity, economic mismanagement, and creeping authoritarianism, further fueling national debates over governance and welfare.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Atiku expressed deep disappointment at the Federal Government’s inability to fulfill its promise of a ₦35,000 monthly wage award, which was introduced as a palliative measure to mitigate the severe impact of the controversial fuel subsidy removal implemented on Tinubu’s inauguration day in May 2023.
“That promise, like many others under this government, has become a broken covenant,” Atiku declared, emphasizing that this failure symbolizes a pattern of betrayal and neglect towards ordinary Nigerians.
He elaborated that although the wage award was initially meant to run for a duration of 10 months, only six months have been paid so far. The unpaid arrears, amounting to approximately ₦140,000 per worker, represent what he described as "a critical lifeline" for many families already battling escalating food prices, skyrocketing transport costs, and general inflation in the country’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.
“When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hastily and thoughtlessly removed fuel subsidy on the day of his inauguration, he triggered an economic avalanche that has since buried the average Nigerian under the weight of inflation, hunger, and despair,” Atiku said, adding that the administration has consistently failed to provide effective safety nets or relief measures.
Beyond the economic dimensions, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate also raised serious concerns over growing attacks on democratic freedoms and human rights. Atiku condemned the recent arrest of labour activist Andrew Uche Emelieze, who was reportedly detained while attempting to organize a peaceful protest demanding the payment of the overdue wage awards.
“His only ‘crime’ was speaking up for workers abandoned by the state. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Emelieze. His continued detention is an affront to democracy, a slap in the face of every Nigerian worker, and a chilling reminder of the authoritarian drift of the Tinubu administration,” Atiku stated passionately, urging civil society organizations, unions, and all Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to silence dissent.
While acknowledging that some state governments have made commendable efforts to address similar labour grievances within their jurisdictions, Atiku accused the Federal Government of demonstrating "callous indifference and utter disdain for workers’ welfare." He insisted that the administration’s inability to pay what is rightfully owed to workers only deepens mistrust and undermines morale within the public service.
He further warned that the government's increasingly heavy-handed response to peaceful protests and legitimate demands would not succeed in silencing the voices of aggrieved citizens or masking the deepening socio-economic crisis confronting the country.
“The Nigerian worker will not be silenced. No amount of heavy-handedness can erase the pain and frustration being felt across the country,” Atiku concluded, urging the Tinubu administration to immediately honor its commitments, address economic failures, and respect the rights of all Nigerians to free expression and peaceful protest.