Former Adamawa Central Senator, Abubakar Girei, has voiced concern over the rising cost of electricity in Nigeria, revealing that even he can no longer afford to use his air conditioner.
“I can’t turn on my AC due to high electricity tariffs,” Girei lamented, during a press briefing at his Yola residence, citing the economic hardship many Nigerians are currently enduring.
Despite criticizing policies like fuel pricing, exchange rate decisions, and electricity tariffs, Girei expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would soon address these issues. He predicted that by 2027, necessary reforms would be implemented, leading to electoral success for the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in Adamawa.
While acknowledging the hardship, Girei praised Tinubu as a “listening and pragmatic” leader. He cited the President’s responsiveness to security funding proposals and his commitment of ₦1.5 trillion to revive agriculture via the Bank of Agriculture as signs of active and responsible governance.
Commenting on the political crisis in Rivers State, Girei condemned the declaration of a state of emergency and the removal of the governor as unconstitutional, but noted the move may have been necessary to prevent greater political instability.
Girei, who served in the Senate from 1999 to 2003, concluded by urging Nigerians to be patient, expressing hope that the Tinubu administration’s difficult reforms would ultimately yield positive results.