"Atiku Blasts Government Over Electricity Tariff Hike: Calls for Compassionate Reform Approach"

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has vehemently criticized the recent hike in electricity tariff, denouncing it as a move that will exacerbate the suffering of the Nigerian people. 

In a series of tweets on Friday, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate lambasted the government for implementing reforms without adequate notice and failing to devise a post-reform plan to alleviate the hardships faced by the populace.

Atiku pointed out that the timing of the electricity tariff increase couldn't be worse, as Nigerians are already grappling with the harsh realities of subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and the depreciation of the domestic currency. He lamented the government's failure to effectively address the adverse effects of these measures before introducing yet another burden on the citizens.

Expressing concern over the ripple effects of the tariff hike, Atiku highlighted its potential to further strain the manufacturing sector. He emphasized that businesses would bear the brunt of higher interest rates on loans, increased expenses for diesel fuel, and elevated wage costs due to the implementation of the new minimum wage.

The opposition figure criticized the lack of a humane approach in the government's reform agenda, asserting that President Buhari's administration is pushing the economy deeper into crisis. He urged for a reevaluation of the privatization of Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in the power sector, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the sector's inefficiencies before embarking on further reforms.

Atiku called upon Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the architect of the reforms, to ensure a well-sequenced implementation, adopt measures to mitigate the adverse impacts, and hold the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) accountable for enhancing service delivery.

Amid mounting criticisms and concerns over the socio-economic implications of the electricity tariff hike, Atiku's condemnation underscores the urgent need for a more compassionate and strategic approach to governance, particularly in the realm of economic reforms.

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