Atiku tells Tinubu: Nigerians must be free to criticize policies hurting them
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to allow Nigerians to freely express concerns about government policies they believe are harming them. Speaking on September 30, 2026, Atiku stated, "Nigerians must be free to say your policies are hurting them," emphasizing that criticism is a vital part of democracy and urging officials to listen and respond to legitimate citizen concerns. He stressed that silencing public dissatisfaction undermines democratic principles and that citizens have an inherent right to demand accountability from their leaders.
The former vice president argued that open dialogue about policy impacts is essential for effective governance, particularly when decisions affect daily livelihoods and national development. He maintained that Nigerians should not be prevented from speaking out when they believe government policies are negatively affecting their lives, framing the ability to critique as a fundamental democratic right rather than dissent.
As Nigeria faces ongoing economic and security challenges, Atiku's appeal highlights the tension between governmental authority and public dissent. How should leaders balance policy implementation with the necessity of hearing and addressing citizen grievances, especially when those policies directly impact people's lives? Should mechanisms for citizen feedback be strengthened to ensure policies serve the public interest?