Atiku: ‘Poverty is a tool for control’ — El-Rufai, Amaechi react at Abuja lecture

DDM News

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the current administration of weaponising poverty to suppress and control Nigerians.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the allegation was made during a lecture marking Rotimi Amaechi’s 60th birthday in Abuja.

Amaechi is a former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State.

The event drew prominent political figures and focused on Nigeria’s growing economic crisis and political consequences.

The lecture was themed “Weaponising Poverty in Nigeria.”

Atiku argued that poverty is no longer accidental but a deliberate strategy for political manipulation.

“This government is intentionally making life more difficult for Nigerians,” Atiku said.

He described the hardship as a tactic to keep citizens weak and dependent.

Reflecting on his youth in Kano, Atiku painted a stark contrast to today’s harsh realities.

“Kano was once prosperous; now, its streets are filled with the homeless,” he said.

He attributed this decline to worsening insecurity and deliberate economic neglect.

Atiku also revealed a disturbing allegation involving the homeless in Kano.

According to him, a state agency began efforts to assist homeless people.

He claimed the federal government ordered the agency to stop the intervention.

“This shows poverty is being used as a political weapon,” he said.

Atiku declared his readiness to oppose such policies and push for reforms.

“We are building alliances not for personal gain,” he stated.

“Our goal is to resist a system that thrives on public suffering,” he added.

Atiku praised Amaechi for joining what he called a coalition for national salvation.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, also delivered a strong message at the event.

He described Nigeria’s present crisis as its worst since the 1914 amalgamation.

However, he offered a different view on Atiku’s claim of deliberate poverty weaponisation.

“Poverty destroys naturally when neglected; it doesn’t need to be weaponised,” El-Rufai argued.

He said the deeper problem lies in leadership selection during elections.

“We elect those who can win, not those who can govern,” he stated.

El-Rufai blamed Nigeria’s setbacks on unprepared and incompetent leadership.

He called for more discerning choices ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Progress comes from competent leaders, not luck,” he warned.

He urged citizens to focus on candidates with capacity and vision.

El-Rufai’s remarks underscored the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s political culture.

Rotimi Amaechi, the celebrant, did not spare either leaders or citizens in his speech.

He said Nigeria’s problems stem from both failed leadership and passive citizenship.

“Our leaders don’t care, because you won’t hold them accountable,” Amaechi declared.

He criticised Nigerians’ short-lived activism and lack of sustained pressure on authorities.

“After every protest, people go home, and nothing changes,” he said.

Amaechi recalled a protest after which fuel prices were still increased.

He questioned the seriousness of Nigerians in demanding good governance.

“Are we building a nation or just existing within its borders?” he asked.

He urged citizens to take ownership of national progress and engage meaningfully.

The lecture sparked renewed debate about governance, accountability, and Nigeria’s future direction.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) notes that the event signals a rising wave of political awakening ahead of the 2027 elections.

The call for action resonated with attendees and observers across the country.

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