Fuel price increase, inflation: Atiku labels Tinubu “TPain”

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has referred to President Bola Tinubu as “TPain” in a tweet on October 10, 2024, in response to his handling of the fuel subsidy situation.

According to Alhaji Abubakar on his official X handle, the Tinubu administration’s “haphazard and disingenuous approach” to fuel subsidy management is the contributing factor to Nigeria’s current economic problems.

In his remarks, Abubakar also voiced worry over the rising rate of inflation.

He claimed that it is having a negative effect on the quality of life of average Nigerians.

TPain: ‘Tinubu indifferent to peoples’ suffering’

Atiku bemoaned the fact that Tinubu seemed indifferent to the suffering of the people in spite of the mounting difficulties.

He wrote in the tweet:

“The haphazard and disingenuous approach of the current administration to fuel subsidy management has been the reason we are in this current economic crisis in the country.

“As things stand, there will be no let up in the escalating inflation rate, which is drowning the material well-being of Nigerians.

“It is even more worrying that T-pain is undisturbed by the hardship in the country.”

Frustrated with the increased expense of living under his rule, the nickname, “TPain,” originated as a play on the first letter of Tinubu’s name and the name of American rapper and producer T-Pain.

The word was first mentioned on social media in April 2024 but by September it became very popular after someone on X mentioned it.

It was reportedly mentioned in relation to the President’s visit to Maiduguri to comfort flood victims.

The phrase “President Bola Tinubu as TPain” is becoming more popular on social media outlets like X and Instagram.

Inflation in Nigeria 

According to data reported by Diaspora Digital Media from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in May 2024, Nigeria’s inflation rate reached 33.95%, a 16-year high.

This is in spite of the Tinubu administration’s assertions that inflation is decreasing, denying the TPain factor.

This development surpasses the previous high of 17.93% reported in May 2021, making it the highest since 2009.

Over the past year, there has been a steady increase in the rate of inflation, predicted to reach about 40% high.

This is almost reaching the threshold of hyperinflation as Nigeria experiences serious food crisis as a result.

According to the Global Hunger Index, 25 million Nigerians could experience food insecurity.

Nigeria’s population now faces a crippling and ongoing struggle from inflation with substantial effect on living level.

Nigerians have suffered greatly as a result, with many finding it difficult to pay for needs like food and shelter.

Additionally, it has continuously outperformed the averages for the world and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Inflation in the country rose to a startling 32.15% as of August 2024.

The high unemployment rate and pervasive poverty in the nation further compounding the problem.

Presently, there are more than 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty.

Critics of the Tinubu administration have pointed fingers at the government’s economic policies.

Claims has it that it has neglected to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and inflation.

Consequently, the TPain hashtag becoming even more popular on social media.

Quick bio of Atiku Abubakar

Atiku Abubakar (GCON; born 25 November 1946) is a Nigerian politician and businessman.

He served as the vice president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo.

He ran for the office of governor of Adamawa State in 1990 and 1996 unsuccessfully, but won in 1998.

Before he was sworn in, he was selected as running mate to former military leader, Olusegun Obasanjo.

This was during the 1999 presidential election and was re-elected in 2003.

In May 2022, he was chosen as the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate again.

This time for the 2023 general election after he defeated Nyesom Wike in the primaries.

He came in second in the general election, being defeated by Bola Tinubu.

Though Abubakar joined other opposition candidates in demanding a revote.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook