Former presidential spokesperson in the Goodluck Jonathan administration, Reuben Abati, has criticised the government’s plan to renovate the residences of the president and vice-president with over N21 billion despite the prevailing economic hardship.
While speaking during a conversation on ‘Duke Rants Muvmnt’ in Lagos State, Abati urged the federal government to “reduce lavish spending” due to the cost of living crisis in the country.
He recommended the need for leaders to prioritise the wellbeing of the populace and make sacrifices.
He said, *How can they justify spending billions on renovations when people are struggling to survive? It’s unacceptable and tone-deaf.
“We have a cost of living crisis, and you are asking us to make sacrifices… why are you not making sacrifices?
“Leaders must make sacrifices amidst this cost of living crisis. It’s time for them to put the people first.
“I see life differently. I do not see life in the order that society has put us.”
While pointing out the misuse of social media by “some individuals who lack empathy and civility”, Abati warned against regulating social media, adding that the government must respect freedom of expression.