Poverty growing like hurricane in Nigeria-- Atiku

 Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said poverty is growing like a hurricane in Nigeria while elected officials are living opulent live style.

He also called on Nigerians not to despair or lose hope in the face of the current economic challenges facing the country saying democracy offers the people the opportunity to use the power of their votes to bring about the desired change.

The former VP, who released a New Year statement from his Abuja campaign office, said it was unfortunate that in the face of extreme hardship, some Nigerians were still living opulent lifestyles inconsistent with the realities on ground.

“I am fully aware of the tough challenges of existence facing the ordinary Nigerians, but democracy offers us the opportunity to use the power of our votes to bring about the desired change.

“While poverty is accelerating like hurricane in the land, our elected leaders are living opulent lifestyles inconsistent with the hardships of the ordinary voters. Democracy is as good as those who practice it, elective offices should be perceived as an opportunity to offer selfless service rather than personal enrichment,” the statement read in part.

He urged Nigerians to see the New Year with renewed optimism, and be active participants in the struggle to bring about change by democratic means.