“I can’t turn on my AC due to high electricity tariffs” – Former Adamawa senator laments

Former Senator Abubakar Girei has decried the impact of rising electricity tariffs on ordinary Nigerians, saying he has been forced to stop using his air conditioner due to the high cost of power.

Speaking to journalists at his residence in Yola, the former Adamawa Central lawmaker expressed sympathy with Nigerians enduring economic hardship while expressing optimism that President Bola Tinubu would soon review policies causing widespread discomfort.

His words: “There’s hardship—no doubt. I’m personally affected; I can’t even turn on my AC due to high electricity tariffs. That policy needs immediate reversal, among others like the exchange rate and fuel price.

“I am sure he will address these things. By 2027, many changes will happen, and APC will secure another victory—especially in Adamawa.”

Despite his criticism, Girei praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a “listening and pragmatic” president who has shown a willingness to take advice and implement impactful reforms.

He said: “We recommended increased funding for security, and he delivered. He also allocated N1.5 trillion for agricultural revitalization through the Bank of Agriculture. That’s a listening president.”

The former senator also weighed in on the controversial state of emergency declared in Rivers State, acknowledging the constitutional concerns while defending the president’s intentions.

He said: “Declaring a state of emergency and removing the governor is unconstitutional in my opinion.

“However, without it, the Assembly—whose members had defected and should have lost their seats—would have impeached Fubara and it could have caused chaos. So perhaps there was no better alternative at the time.”

Girei, who served in the Senate from 1999 to 2003, urged patience as the country undergoes what he believes is a difficult but necessary phase of reform under the Tinubu administration.