Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retired), has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of accelerating the impoverishment of Nigerians through what he described as “massive and radical” economic policies.

Speaking on Saturday at the 60th birthday lecture of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Buratai contrasted the gradual economic hardship Nigerians experienced under previous governments with what he claimed is the sudden and intensified suffering under Mr Tinubu’s leadership.

“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,” Buratai said.

Citing administrations from the Second Republic to the Buhari era, he continued, “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.”

However, Buratai asserted that Tinubu’s government has taken a far more aggressive approach, worsening the economic conditions for millions in a very short time.

“The only difference with this Tinubu-led administration is that it came more radical. It is massive and sudden. It’s poverty was not gradual like the previous administrations,” he said.

Despite the severity of the situation, Buratai offered a nuanced view of the government’s strategy, suggesting that its radicalism could mark a break from a history of incremental decline.

“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,” he added.

Still, he did not hide his discontent with the government’s response to the widespread hardship triggered by its policy decisions.

“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.

His comments arrive amid growing criticism of Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, moves that have led to inflation and a spike in the cost of living.

Buratai’s statements also carry additional weight given his own controversial past as a senior figure in the Buhari administration.

He was the Chief of Army Staff during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, when soldiers opened fire on demonstrators, and he has faced scrutiny for alleged human rights abuses and corruption.

In 2015, he was linked to the military crackdown on Shiite Muslims in Zaria, and in later years, investigations by anti-graft bodies uncovered significant cash and luxury items in his Abuja residence.

According to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), over ₦1 billion in cash, Rolex watches, and other valuables were recovered.

Reports also revealed how Buratai allegedly cornered contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) while still in office, and how former National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno accused him of being unable to account for funds allocated for weapons procurement during his tenure.

As Nigeria braces for deeper political realignments and the public continues to feel the pinch of austerity-style reforms, Buratai’s public rebuke adds another voice of discontent from within the establishment.

Nobel Laureate and literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka, has commended former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for his defiance and principle during the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, describing it as a moment where President Bola Tinubu got “a taste of his own medicine.”

Soyinka delivered the remarks while serving as Chairman at Amaechi’s 60th birthday celebration, held over the weekend in Abuja.

In a speech that blended political commentary with sharp historical recollection, Soyinka lauded Amaechi’s resolve to remain in the presidential race despite pressure from political heavyweights to step down in favour of Tinubu.

“The main reason I had to be here is because I admire Rotimi’s fighting spirit, and it’s a very consistent one,” Soyinka said.

The Nobel laureate recalled watching the APC primary live from Abu Dhabi, expressing satisfaction at Amaechi’s refusal to withdraw, a decision he likened to Tinubu’s own past resistance during Nigeria’s democratic struggles.

“I watched the entire primary election live on TV. It gave me great, rascally pleasure to see the incumbent president receive a taste of his own medicine,” Soyinka noted.

Drawing a parallel with the early 2000s, Soyinka referred to Tinubu’s defiance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged third-term agenda, saying:

“Back then, Tinubu was the last man standing when others had been cowed by unconstitutional withholding of their allocations. He resisted. And now, Amaechi played that same role during the primaries.”

Unlike many aspirants who bowed out to back Tinubu, Amaechi, alongside a few notable figures such as former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Pastor Tunde Bakare, and Rochas Okorocha, remained in the race until the final vote.

Amaechi eventually emerged as the runner-up behind Tinubu, who clinched the APC ticket and later won the 2023 presidential election.

Since that time, Amaechi had remained largely under the radar until recently, amid growing speculation about his involvement in an emerging political coalition.

Observers believe Amaechi and a group of dissident leaders within and outside the APC are preparing to challenge Tinubu’s hold on power in the 2027 general election.

Soyinka concluded his tribute by emphasizing the value of political courage in a thriving democracy:

“That is what democracy is all about—standing firm for your beliefs. Amaechi exemplified that spirit, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it unfold.”

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has addressed a trending video allegedly involving a member of his family in connection with the death of his wife, firmly asserting that his family remains united.

Speaking to Government House correspondents on Saturday at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo, where he attended the 60th birthday celebration of former Deputy Governor Obong Nsima Ekere, Governor Eno dismissed the video as a politically motivated attempt to distract him from his duties.

“We are in political times, so you can expect more of that. My family is intact, and you can see everyone here with me,” he stated.

Referring to the timing of the video’s resurfacing, Eno questioned the motives behind its circulation.

“The event we are talking about happened immediately after my wife passed on, and that was last year. So why is it surfacing and trending now? Why is it on the eve of the second anniversary, when we are celebrating the milestones we have achieved?”

He suggested that the video was part of a broader attempt by detractors to derail his administration’s focus on governance and development under the ARISE Agenda.

“This teaches me that there are detractors around. My family is intact. You can see that Jane herself is here; that’s Helen and her husband. So, we have a good family.”

Eno also reflected on the emotional toll his wife’s death had on the family, particularly the children.

“The pressure on the children when they lose a loved one can be traumatic, and we must recognise that.”

Appealing for public empathy and respect, the Governor urged people not to resurface painful memories.

“All I can appeal to the public is that it should not bring back sad memories. It is enough that I have lost my wife, and I pray that they allow her peaceful soul to rest in peace.”

Reaffirming his commitment to his role as governor, Eno emphasized his resolve to remain undistracted.

“I cannot be distracted. I remain focused, and I will continue to serve the people of Akwa Ibom. I do not wish what happened to me on anyone. So, to those spreading these rumours, if that is what they wish for themselves, I wish them luck.”

At the event, Governor Eno also extended warm wishes to Obong Nsima Ekere, congratulating him on his 60th birthday.

He prayed that “God would continue to strengthen him, bless him with long life, good health, and wisdom to continue contributing to the development of the State and the Nation.”

Former Minister of Works and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has openly admitted that he and fellow opposition politicians are feeling the same economic hardship as ordinary Nigerians, stating that hunger is driving their political resolve.

Speaking at his birthday lecture in Abuja on Saturday, Mr. Amaechi made a passionate call for unity among the opposition to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We are all hungry. All of us are. If you are not hungry, I am. So, for us, the opposition, if you want us to remove the man in power – Tinubu – we can remove him from this power,” Amaechi said, addressing a gathering that included notable political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The birthday lecture doubled as a strategic meeting for opposition forces exploring the possibility of forming a united front against President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reflecting on his activism days, Amaechi reminded the audience of the solidarity that once transcended ethnic and religious lines during nationwide protests against military rulers.

He referenced the campaigns against General Ibrahim Babangida and General Muhammadu Buhari, emphasizing that collective action had always been the key to political change.

Joining the call for political re-alignment, Mr. El-Rufai, a one-time ally and key campaigner for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, did not mince words about his dissatisfaction with the current administration.

“Nigeria is in its biggest trouble since 1914, and that is why we are together working and conspiring to build a coalition to take Nigeria back on track because it is off track,” El-Rufai stated.

He took his criticism a step further, describing the current government as being run by “urban bandits.”

“It has turned to this level because we have allowed bandits, not the ones in the bushes but the ones in the urban areas called the urban bandits, to take over leadership,” he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians for patience and understanding as his administration pushes forward with major national infrastructure and economic reforms.

Speaking on Saturday during the inauguration of Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a 30km stretch of the proposed 750km six-lane project, the president acknowledged the prevailing hardship in the country but assured citizens of eventual relief.

“I know at this stage, your expectation is still very high and our people are still going through difficult times. I take this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians that the hope is here and it is realisable.”

Promising brighter days ahead, Tinubu said the reforms already underway were beginning to bear fruit.

“You would be proud of the benefits, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Inflation is coming down, the corruption in the exchange rate is eliminated, the corruption in fuel subsidy is limited to the barest minimum.”

He explained that the measures being taken are intended to reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria and promote local industry.

“It is all for you the people, we are reducing the cost of manufacturing, and encouraging manufacturing locally.”

“We give all incentives for everyone to abide by the principle. May God bless our country; may God bless Lagos State and keep our fighting soldiers safe.”

President Tinubu also used the occasion to issue a stern warning to property developers encroaching on federal land without official authorization.

He made it clear that any structures built on such land would not be compensated.

“Let me at this stage warn all developers, the Federal Government reinforced the setbacks for the interest of our nation, development without approval will not be compensated. We have gazetted and published the setbacks, we are going to enforce it rigidly in every way possible.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Works David Umahi addressed recent concerns regarding alleged encroachment on the Landmark property during the highway’s construction.

He clarified that only unauthorized shoreline extensions were affected, and that the core infrastructure remained untouched.

“Mr President, I want to state that we did no harm to the Landmark property. It is by your order that we should save as much infrastructure as possible even though they violated the gazetted route.”

“The Landmark infrastructure is intact, what went off was their encroachment on our front shoreline, and the Supreme Court ruled that 250 metres from the shoreline belong to the Federal Government, and so we didn’t do that.”

The minister also revealed that the president had directed state governors to grant a minimum of 500 metres from the road’s edge as part of the highway’s tolling corridor, a move aimed at preserving the project’s integrity.

He explained that, legally, compensation is not required for temporary or informal structures like shanties. Nonetheless, the president had insisted on compensating affected persons to ease hardship.

“By law, the Federal Government was not supposed to pay compensation for shanties along the road, but the President directed that compensation be paid.”

So far, Umahi confirmed that ₦18 billion has been disbursed in compensation for Phase 1 of the project.