Shettima Criticizes Atiku’s Subsidy Proposal, Campaign Responds

Vice President Kashim Shettima criticized Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore petrol subsidies and questioned the opposition figure’s qualifications to manage a modern economy, prompting Atiku’s campaign to challenge Shettima over President Bola Tinubu’s educational records. Shettima made the remarks Monday at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja. He argued that bringing back the subsidy would reverse reforms introduced by Tinubu, who removed the petrol subsidy in May 2023. Shettima said Nigeria needed consistent economic policies and warned against decisions he characterized as politically convenient. Referring to Atiku’s training at the Kano School of Hygiene, Shettima said he lacked the skills to govern a modern economy. He also questioned Atiku’s knowledge of public health, invoking the difference between airborne illnesses and Ebola. The remarks were part of his criticism of the proposal, which Atiku has advocated as a way to manage the economy. Atiku’s campaign spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, responded by challenging Shettima to address an alleged entry in records associated with Tinubu’s education. Shaibu said a document connected to Tinubu’s Chicago State University...