Ex-Army Chief Tukur Buratai Slams Tinubu Over Sudden Economic Hardship

Ex-Army Chief Tukur Buratai has slammed Tinubu Administration over sudden economic hardship.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), has openly criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the sharp and widespread economic hardship currently facing Nigerians.

Speaking during the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, Buratai described the economic situation under Tinubu’s leadership as “radical, massive, and sudden.”

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According to Buratai, although poverty in Nigeria has been gradually increasing over the years, the economic suffering under the current administration has intensified drastically and abruptly.

“Nigerians have been suffering and smiling for decades,” he said, “but the present reality is forcing the nation to confront the need for urgent change. We can’t keep going down this path.”

Buratai attributed much of the country’s economic challenges to long-standing systemic issues, many of which he believes were shaped by international influences such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. He cited historical examples, including the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) introduced under former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, which marked the beginning of policies like currency deregulation and austerity measures.

“These challenges didn’t start today. We saw the effects during the governments of Shagari, Obasanjo, Jonathan, and Buhari. Over time, Nigerians were slowly pushed into deeper poverty,” he explained.

He, however, noted that the difference with Tinubu’s administration is the speed and intensity of the hardship.

“The change now is radical. The impact didn’t come gradually—it came suddenly. That in itself is a message. It tells us that the system must be fixed now. We can no longer afford to delay,” Buratai emphasized.

Clarifying his stance, he said, “These are my personal views. I’m not a member of President Tinubu’s government. But I was part of those who supported his election. That’s why I believe it’s necessary to speak honestly.”