ADVERTISEMENT

'Rice Kimono' - Shaibu, protesters slam Tinubu's rice subsidy amid national unrest

As protests continue, the public's scepticism about the effectiveness of rice subsidies in addressing the deeper issues plaguing the nation remains a crucial point of discussion.

The Federal Government recently concluded plans to sell a 50kg bag of rice at ₦40,000 to public servants with a view to alleviating the food crisis in the nation and its effects on Nigerians. [Facebook/Getty Images]

Critics argue that this decision is a strategic attempt to pacify the public amidst widespread discontent with the government's performance.

Ahead of the protests, the federal government, through Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, announced the distribution of 740 trucks of grains to various states.

The price reduction for rice was highlighted as part of these measures.

ADVERTISEMENT

A viral video captured a protester voicing frustration with Tinubu's reliance on rice as a solution to numerous issues.

"You complain about insecurity, rice. You complain about unemployment, rice. You complain about the fact that we're hungry, rice... We say we want to protest, rice," the protester stated.

Phrank Shaibu, special assistant on public communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, criticised the move.

ADVERTISEMENT

In a statement on X, Shaibu said, "The ruling All Progressives Congress and Bola Tinubu might as well ditch the broom logo for RICE, now that they've enlightened us on the magical powers of rice as the ultimate solution to all our problems in Nigeria instead of dragging Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi into their Hilda Baci Jollof."

As protests continue, the public's scepticism about the effectiveness of rice subsidies in addressing the deeper issues plaguing the nation remains a crucial point of discussion.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Joe Igbokwe begs Tinubu to lower electricity tariff after spending ₦20k in a day

Joe Igbokwe begs Tinubu to lower electricity tariff after spending ₦20k in a day

Nigerians to experience thunderstorms, rains nationwide for 3 days from Monday

Nigerians to experience thunderstorms, rains nationwide for 3 days from Monday

Soldiers free to voluntarily retire - Nigerian Army reacts to 'mass resignation'

Soldiers free to voluntarily retire - Nigerian Army reacts to 'mass resignation'

Rising cost of living worries parents as schools resume

Rising cost of living worries parents as schools resume

Abuja poultry owner laments as govt destroys ₦150m investment, 5,000 birds dead

Abuja poultry owner laments as govt destroys ₦150m investment, 5,000 birds dead

Benue communities sign peace accord to resolve long-standing conflicts

Benue communities sign peace accord to resolve long-standing conflicts

Electricity consumers lament transfer to Band A, complain about supply

Electricity consumers lament transfer to Band A, complain about supply

Wike signs MoU with Chinese companies on electricity, water supply in FCT

Wike signs MoU with Chinese companies on electricity, water supply in FCT

Bishop shares free fuel to okada riders in Enugu to ease hardship

Bishop shares free fuel to okada riders in Enugu to ease hardship

Pulse Sports

Nigeria 3-0 Benin: Lookman and Osimhen power Super Eagles to emphatic AFCON 2025 win

Nigeria 3-0 Benin: Lookman and Osimhen power Super Eagles to emphatic AFCON 2025 win

'From Henry to Muller'- Top 10 Goal-Scoring Legends in Football History [Ranked]

'From Henry to Muller'- Top 10 Goal-Scoring Legends in Football History [Ranked]

Nigerian defender declared missing in Nigeria

Nigerian defender declared missing in Nigeria

Victor Osimhen Salary: How the Super Eagles striker went from earning ₦390 million to ₦22 billion per year

Victor Osimhen Salary: How the Super Eagles striker went from earning ₦390 million to ₦22 billion per year

Report: Galatasaray agree to pay Osimhen ₦17 billion after Chelsea refuse to pay the same amount

Report: Galatasaray agree to pay Osimhen ₦17 billion after Chelsea refuse to pay the same amount

I did not beg for the job — Eguaveon reveals why he accepted Super Eagles coaching role

I did not beg for the job — Eguaveon reveals why he accepted Super Eagles coaching role

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT