Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday said regardless of what Nigeria suffered as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, President Muhammadu Buhari’s lazy leadership has done worse to Nigerians.

In his New Year message, Mr. Abubakar, who expressed optimism that with the emergence of vaccine life would soon return to normal, said Nigeria suffered huge setback as a result of Mr. Buhari’s uninspiring leadership

“As a country, we have taken our share of the blow that Covid-19 dealt to the globe”, Mr. Abubakar said. “And worst still, we suffered a multi-facet downcast on account of lazy and uninspiring leadership from the government at the centre – most especially.”

The main opposition leader added that: “I pray that God should heal the hearts of families who have lost loved ones to the disease, as well as those who died on account of insecurity and ringing poverty occasioned by poor management of our national economy.”

In his New Year message on Friday, Mr. Buhari called on Nigerians to look back at the realities when he assumed office in 2015 and show understanding if his government has not met their expectations.

“I am aware that for some of our compatriots, the progress we have registered since the inception of this administration is not nearly as fast or as sufficient as they would wish. I do not begrudge them their views insofar as they signify a wish, in which we all share, for only the very best for our country,” Mr. Buhari said. “Nevertheless, I call upon all Nigerians to carefully recall the circumstances of our coming to office, the facts on the ground and the resources at our disposal since 2015 with the accomplishments of this administration.”