Nigeria Nigerians Mock VP Shettima's Claim That Current Hardship Is Caused by Opposition Politicians

Vice President Kashim Shettima accused politicians who lost in the 2023 general election of orchestrating a plot to destabilize Nigeria. Shettima claimed that intercepted trucks smuggling food out of the country were part of a scheme to trigger food price hikes and plunge the nation into anarchy. He asserted that the interception of 45 trucks carrying maize led to a drop in maize prices by N10,000. Shettima, without naming specific politicians, emphasized their desperation to undermine the nation due to their failure in the last election.

The Vice President urged unity, declaring, "We have to make this country work. We have to move beyond politics." While Shettima did not disclose names, top contenders in the general election, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have criticized President Bola Tinubu's economic management. Tinubu's government faces public outcry over soaring inflation, causing a more than 100% increase in food prices since he assumed office. Protests have erupted in various states, prompting Tinubu to release 42,000 metric tonnes of grain and direct security agencies to combat food hoarding. The International Monetary Fund praised Tinubu's structural reforms but acknowledged the challenges posed by rising inflation on living conditions. As tensions escalate, Nigerians question the economic narrative and the impact of political maneuvers on their daily lives.