Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the federal government for its reliance on rice as the primary solution to economic hardship. Shaibu warned that this approach could lead to thiamine deficiency among Nigerians.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Shaibu expressed frustration over the government’s choice to distribute rice as a remedy for various crises, which he attributes to President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
Shaibu said, “Could it be that every aide of President Bola Tinubu skipped the foundational lessons of primary school? I recall a wise teacher from my early years imparting the simple truth that a diet heavily reliant on white rice can lead to Beriberi—a condition caused by vitamin B1 deficiency, also known as thiamine deficiency.”
He criticized the government’s approach, adding, “No power? Serve rice. No fuel? More rice. Bad governance? A bag of rice. Floods? Rice once again. High electricity tariffs? You guessed it—rice.”
Shaibu urged the government to diversify its aid, suggesting, “At the very least, add ‘ewa oloyin’ (honey beans) to the rice to save our people from Beriberi.”