Hardship Under Tinubu Is ‘More Visible, More Direct And We Can’t Continue Like This — Ex-Army Chief Buratai

Former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusufu Buratai, who was notorious for human rights abuses and clampdown on protesters, has expressed “concerns” over the current poverty rate in Nigeria.

Buratai described the economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “radical, massive, and sudden.”

The infamous former military chief noted that while poverty in Nigeria has been on a gradual rise over the years, the situation has sharply worsened under the present leadership.

He said the poverty level continued to increase gradually over time, but under the current administration, the situation has become more radical.

Buratai said, “It is massive and sudden.”

He explained that the hardship was not gradual like in the previous administration, adding that this radical shift has its own implications.Nigerian cultural tours

Buratai made the remarks during the 60th birthday celebration of former minister and Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.

The former Chief of Army Staff explained that this shift reflects a change from the approach taken under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

He said Nigerians had been “suffering and smiling” in the past, but the current situation has made it clear that things must change, as the nation could not continue this way.Nigerian cultural tours

He stated that the main challenge—and the disappointment of many Nigerians—is the apparent insensitivity to the impact of government policies.

According to Buratai, “My relationship with Amaechi dates back to 2011 when he was the governor and I was a brigade commander. I have seen in him a leader who thinks deeply. He breathes security—he eats security, sleeps security, and wakes up with security. During his tenure as governor, we all witnessed what happened and what transpired.

“He was the first person to invite me into the political terrain. At the time, I was in Benin, Cotonou. One evening, he called me and said, “Come and join my political campaign for the primaries.” And behold, I had no hesitation.

“So, what happened during the primaries? He came second in the total votes. He scored 316, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scored 1271. The sitting Vice President came after him, and the sitting Senate President followed. He was number two—just behind Tinubu—and ahead of others who are today numbers two and three in the current leadership model. What does that say?,” he said.Nigerian cultural tours

Buratai stated, “It means he has a great political future. I foresee Amaechi playing a full role in the political leadership of this country. I believe his political journey has only just begun. Your Excellency, I say congratulations.

“Secondly, these are my personal views. I’m not a member of Tinubu’s government, as you all know. But we played a prominent role in ensuring that he won the election.

“Now, on the topic of Democracy and the Republic of Poverty, I want to take a historical perspective within the context of our country. This systemic issue has been largely influenced by international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. We saw this clearly during the era of Ibrahim Babangida, with the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme and belt-tightening policies. Foreign exchange deregulation also started during IBB’s regime.”

He explained, “It continued through the administration of Shagari, through Obasanjo’s presidency, Jonathan’s presidency, and, of course, Buhari’s presidency. Over time, we witnessed the gradual pauperisation of Nigerians. Poverty levels steadily increased.Nigerian cultural tours
“The difference with the current administration is that the impact came suddenly and massively — it was not gradual. Listen to me: it was not gradual like in previous administrations. But this radical shift has its own merits. It shows a deliberate change from the past.

“For too long, we’ve been suffering gradually—suffering and smiling. But this time, the hardship is more visible, more direct. It tells us that we must fix things because we cannot continue like this. Again, this is my personal opinion.”

The former Chief of Army Staff added, “Finally, the main challenge—and the main disappointment—for many Nigerians is the perceived insensitivity of the government to the severe impact of its policies. Poverty and insecurity are real, and we all know it.
“We hope that the second half of this administration will bring real change. Otherwise, I can see the coalition working hard already.”(SaharaReporters)