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, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), widely criticized for his record on human rights and crackdown on protesters, has voiced strong concerns about Nigeria’s worsening economic situation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State Governor and ex-minister Rotimi Amaechi, Buratai described the current economic hardship as “radical, massive, and sudden.” He noted that while poverty has gradually increased over successive governments, under Tinubu, the suffering has become more intense and immediate.

“In the past, Nigerians were suffering and smiling,” Buratai said. “Now, the hardship is more visible, more direct. It tells us we must fix things — we can’t continue like this.”

He contrasted Tinubu’s administration with that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, under whom, he said, the effects of poverty were more gradual. According to him, the current situation reflects a sharp policy shift with serious implications.

Buratai acknowledged that many Nigerians are disillusioned, citing what he called the government's “perceived insensitivity” to the impact of its economic policies.

He also took a broader historical view, attributing Nigeria’s long-term economic decline to international financial policies introduced during previous regimes, including the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) under General Ibrahim Babangida.

“From Shagari to Obasanjo, Jonathan to Buhari, we saw a steady rise in poverty. But under Tinubu, the impact has been swift and harsh,” he said.

Though no longer in government, Buratai claimed a role in helping Tinubu secure electoral victory. Despite this, he stressed that his critique is personal and reflects growing public frustration.

He praised Amaechi as a visionary leader and hinted at a strong political future for him, highlighting his performance in the last APC presidential primaries.

“He came second, ahead of the current Vice President and Senate President. That tells you something about his political weight,” Buratai added.

Closing his remarks, Buratai called for urgent action from the government to address poverty and insecurity, warning that without a meaningful shift in the second half of the administration, a political coalition is already forming to challenge the status quo.