The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has lamented over the standard of living in the country.
The former Vice President expressed this worry as Nigeria marks its 61st Independence Day.
Atiku in his statement lamented that a country that is blessed with oil resources is struggling with joblessness and poverty.
He charged the All Progressive Congress-led government to put in place policies to lift Nigerians struggling and the security challenges in the country.
Atiku wrote, “As we celebrate our Independence Day, I urge for unity, even as I remain worried at the declining standard of living of Nigerians.
“I use this opportunity to call on governments at all levels to push policies that will lead to improved standards of living for the average Nigerian. If this is done, I am confident that the future ahead of us will be brighter and better.
“I also appeal to our leaders at all levels of the imperative of making our democracy work for all through justice, equity, fairness and equal spread of development across the country.
“I also advocate for bipartisan initiatives by political leaders to address the spate of insecurity compounded by joblessness and poor living conditions.
“It is regrettable that despite our vast oil resources, extreme poverty and joblessness have remained persistent. There is no excuse that 61 years after independence, extreme poverty is still staring the ordinary citizen in the face.”
The former Vice President charged Nigerians to work together in unity.
“Nonetheless, it is worthy to celebrate our great nation on her anniversary today. We have come a long way together as a country,” he added.
