Atiku Abubakar Critiques Remi Tinubu's Rice Palliative

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, criticized the ₦1.2 billion rice palliative initiative launched by Remi Tinubu, the First Lady, aimed at distributing rice and cash support to vulnerable households across 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory. Atiku described the initiative as a politically motivated strategy rather than a sincere effort to alleviate economic distress, particularly in light of rising food prices and inflation affecting millions.

He argued that the government's approach reflects a manipulation of hunger for political gain, rather than addressing the structural issues causing food insecurity. The initiative, which coincides with the Eid el-Kabir celebration, was flagged off in Kaduna and is intended to support vulnerable Muslim communities during the festive period.

Atiku emphasized that Nigerians are not beggars and called for a rejection of political handouts, urging citizens to demand accountability from their leaders instead.