Reuben Abati: Government should cut lavish spending, make sacrifices over hardship

Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesperson, has urged the federal government to “reduce lavish spending” due to the cost of living crisis in the country.

Abati spoke during a conversation on ‘Duke Rants Muvmnt’ in Lagos. 

He criticised the government’s plan to spend N21 billion on renovating the residences of the president and vice-president, amid the prevailing economic hardship.

“How can they justify spending billions on renovations when people are struggling to survive? It’s unacceptable and tone-deaf,” he said.

“We have a cost of living crisis, and you are asking us to make sacrifices… why are you not making sacrifices?”

The journalist emphasised the need for leaders to prioritise the wellbeing of the populace, saying, “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,” he added.

He noted the misuse of social media by “some individuals who lack empathy and civility”.

He warned against regulating social media, while asking the government to respect freedom of expression.