APC Carpets Amaechi, Atiku, El-Rufai over Allegations of Poverty Weaponization 

APC Carpets Amaechi, Atiku, El-Rufai over Allegations of Poverty Weaponization 

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by the trio of  Chief Rotimi Amaechi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of “weaponizing” poverty.

The party noted that these claims are unfounded, especially considering that the accusers failed to eradicate poverty during their lengthy tenures in power.

The statements were made during a public lecture in Abuja on Saturday, celebrating Amaechi’s 60th birthday.

Reacting to the allegations, the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Barrister Felix Morka, in a statement on Monday, pointed out that between 1999 and 2023, these individuals held significant political positions yet did not make substantial efforts to address poverty or the structural issues affecting the economy.

Morka emphasized that instead of addressing these issues, they engaged in corrupt practices and mismanaged state resources.

“These three individuals have occupied Nigeria’s highest political offices, yet in all 24 years, they could not eradicate poverty in their states or the country. They did not even attempt to tackle the structural challenges that stifled the economy and worsened poverty over the years,”  Morka said.

He specifically criticized Amaechi, who served for 24 years in various capacities, adding that Amaechi’s statement reflects the self-serving motivations of the former leaders in their quest for power.

“When Amaechi declared, ‘I am hungry,’ he must mean that he is hungry and desperate to return to his felt entitled dependency on state resources and patronage,” he noted.

The APC also highlighted that the criticisms from Amaechi, Atiku, and El-Rufai are driven by a desire to maintain the old rent-seeking economy that benefited them at the expense of the Nigerian people.

“Their criticisms are decidedly self-serving, driven by a desperate quest for power to satiate their voracious rent-seeking appetite,” Morka stated.

In contrast, the APC praised President Tinubu’s administration for its bold economic reforms aimed at addressing poverty and promoting growth.

The party noted that the previous administrations, particularly the 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), contributed to the economic conditions that the current government is now working to rectify.

“By allowing market forces to determine the Naira’s value, the administration is taking necessary bold steps to catalyze economic growth, incentivize investment, boost competitiveness, and alleviate poverty,” Morka emphasized.

He stated that the removal of fuel subsidies has transformed the economy, eliminating corruption and shortages while increasing investments in various sectors. He also highlighted the significant improvements in trade balances, local production, and job creation, stating, “Local industries are booming, and our reliance on imports is plummeting.”

The APC therefore reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the interests of Nigerians over political calculations. The party added that the administration’s reforms are essential for securing a sustainable economy that rewards hard work and innovation.

“Mr. President is on course and will not be distracted by the selfish partisan rambling of some hardened political opportunists and economic exploiters,” Morka stated.