Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has openly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of drastically worsening poverty levels in Nigeria through what he described as “radical and massive” policy decisions.
Speaking on Saturday at the birthday lecture of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Buratai said while previous administrations impoverished Nigerians gradually, Tinubu’s government adopted a more abrupt and aggressive approach.
“From the era of Ibrahim Babangida, with the Structural Adjustment Programme and belt-tightening policies, to deregulation of the forex and fuel sectors, we’ve seen poverty grow gradually over time,” Buratai said. “During the Shagari, Obasanjo, Jonathan, and Buhari administrations, Nigerians became poorer slowly and steadily.”
However, he argued, Tinubu’s administration took a sharp turn.
“The only difference now is the radical nature of the current administration’s policies. The impact is massive and sudden — unlike the gradual pain we were used to,” he said. “But perhaps this shift offers some hope. It signals that we must get it right this time. We’ve been suffering and smiling for too long.”
Buratai also condemned the administration’s perceived lack of empathy for citizens grappling with the harsh economic realities resulting from its decisions.
“The real problem is the government’s apparent insensitivity to the widespread effects of its policies. Poverty and insecurity are real and worsening. Maybe the second half of this administration will offer some relief. If not, I see other coalitions working hard already,” he warned.
Buratai, who served as army chief under former President Muhammadu Buhari, remains a controversial figure. He was in command when soldiers opened fire on unarmed #EndSARS protesters at Lekki in 2020 and was also linked to the 2015 killing of Shiite members in Kaduna.
Investigative reports by Peoples Gazette previously revealed how operatives of the ICPC recovered over ₦1 billion from his property. In 2021, the outlet also reported that Buratai cornered contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission while still in military service.
Additionally, former National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, once stated that Buratai could not account for funds allocated for arms procurement during their time in office.
