A former Nigerian Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Maina Waziri, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s government, calling it a “disastrous catastrophe” that has underperformed even the administration of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking in an interview with Trust TV, the senior member of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) argued that Tinubu’s nearly two-year tenure has deepened national crises in security, economic stability, and anti-corruption efforts.
Waziri, who served under a previous government, framed his criticism in stark terms: “If the Buhari government was a failure, the Tinubu government in the last two years is a disastrous catastrophe.” He emphasized a broad decline, stating, “It has failed in all ramifications, and the country has regressed.” His remarks reflect growing frustration among opposition figures as Nigeria grapples with escalating violence by armed groups, a plummeting currency, and soaring inflation rates exceeding 30%—a 28-year high.
The former minister singled out security challenges as particularly alarming, noting that some regions remain under the influence of non-state actors. “I am surprised that people whose local governments are under the control of bandits can appear on national television to endorse this government,” he said, alluding to public statements by officials from conflict-affected areas. This critique comes amid persistent attacks in the northwest and central regions, where kidnapping and communal clashes have displaced thousands.
Economically, Tinubu’s reforms—including the abrupt removal of a costly fuel subsidy and efforts to unify exchange rates—have sparked widespread public unrest. While the government defends these measures as necessary for long-term stability, critics like Waziri argue they have exacerbated hardship for ordinary citizens. The naira has lost over 70% of its value since mid-2023, and food prices have surged, compounding struggles for low-income households.
Though Tinubu’s administration has pledged to prioritize anti-corruption initiatives, Waziri dismissed these efforts as ineffective, claiming systemic graft persists. Nigeria ranked 145th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, underscoring longstanding governance challenges.
Political analysts note that Waziri’s comments highlight deepening divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly as the ADC positions itself to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of future elections. His assessment aligns with recent polls indicating declining public confidence in the government’s ability to address pressing issues. While the presidency has yet to respond to his remarks, the criticism underscores the heightened stakes for Tinubu’s administration as it navigates mounting domestic and international scrutiny.
