‘He was trained in sanitation, lacks skills to run modern economy’ — Shettima tackles Atiku

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his proposal to restore petrol subsidy, saying the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate lacks the expertise to manage a modern economy.

Shettima made the remarks on Monday at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove petrol subsidy and accused Atiku of advocating policies that could reverse the country’s economic reforms.

“One of the leading presidential candidates (Atiku) is advocating a return to the subsidy scheme. He wants us to backslide into primitivity for political convenience,” the vice-president said.

Shettima questioned Atiku’s professional background, arguing that it did not equip him with the skills required to govern a modern economy.

“I dare to put forward that his skill set… he was trained in sanitation at the Kano School of Hygiene. So he doesn’t have the skill set to govern a modern economy. That’s a painful truth,” he said.

The vice-president also made remarks about Atiku’s understanding of infectious diseases, citing the distinction between influenza, COVID-19 and Ebola.

He urged Nigerians to consider the candidates’ positions and qualifications when making their choices ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Defending Tinubu’s economic policies, Shettima said the president took the decision to remove petrol subsidy because he understood the country’s economic realities.

“The president took those painful decisions because he understands the dynamics,” he said.