Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday criticised the distribution of 100 trucks of rice and ₦1.2 billion in cash support to northern states by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. He described the intervention as an exercise in optics rather than a substantive solution to economic challenges.
Atiku Abubakar issued the statement shortly after the flag-off of the palliative programme, which targeted vulnerable households in 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative followed a similar distribution to Christian communities in December 2025 amid rising food prices and inflation.
Atiku Abubakar argued that the government turned what began as a temporary experiment into a regular policy focused on appearance over real impact. He stated that such measures failed to address the collapse of livelihoods across the country.
“Nigerians are not beggars to be pacified with periodic handouts while their livelihoods collapse,” Atiku Abubakar said. He added that the approach amounted to a politicisation of hardship and a weaponisation of hunger.
The former vice president maintained that citizens needed structural solutions instead of repeated food distributions. He stressed that temporary relief could not substitute for genuine economic recovery.
Oluremi Tinubu flagged off the distribution through state committees and partners, including the Muslim Intellectuals Forum. Officials presented the programme as part of efforts to support vulnerable Muslim communities during economic difficulties.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the intervention as compassion in action under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin called it a well-conceived federal effort to ease hardship.
The criticism emerged on May Day as discussions intensified over poverty and insecurity. President Bola Tinubu had earlier declared both issues as national emergencies that threatened jobs and stability.
Atiku Abubakar’s remarks highlighted ongoing debates about the effectiveness of palliative programmes. Supporters viewed the rice and cash support as immediate help for affected families, while critics demanded lasting reforms in agriculture, security, and job creation.
The former vice president reiterated that Nigerians sought opportunities to rebuild their lives rather than continued dependence on government handouts. His statement reflected persistent opposition concerns about the ruling administration’s handling of economic pressures ahead of future elections.
