In a fiery response to President Bola Tinubu’s camp, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has hit out at what he calls the “wickedness” of the current administration, accusing President Tinubu of inflicting suffering on Nigerians instead of addressing the country’s economic woes.
Atiku’s sharp rebuke came after Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, accused the former PDP presidential candidate of harboring jealousy toward the president. Onanuga had criticized Atiku’s economic proposals as “grand illusions and fantasies” and suggested that his repeated electoral defeats were proof of his lack of competence.
Atiku did not hold back in his response. His aide, Phrank Shaibu, dismissed the claims, saying that Atiku could not possibly be envious of a president whose policies have caused hardship for Nigerians. “Wickedness is an exclusive preserve of T-Pain,” Shaibu said, alluding to Tinubu’s alleged role in exacerbating the nation’s difficulties.
Atiku Abubakar, who has contested the presidency six times, made it clear that he was not jealous of Tinubu’s actions. “Unlike Tinubu, I am not a bigot. I did not refund money to the US for alleged drug trafficking,” he said, referencing the controversial history surrounding Tinubu’s finances. This remark is a direct jab at ongoing allegations against Tinubu, particularly related to his past legal entanglements in the United States.
Atiku’s statement shifted focus to what he called the “disastrous” economic policies under President Tinubu’s leadership. He accused the administration of failing to deliver on key promises, such as the lifting of import duties on essential goods. Despite Tinubu’s July 8 announcement of a 150-day suspension of import duties to ease the cost of living, Atiku pointed out that four months later, the policy had yet to be implemented.
He further criticized the government for its failure to control skyrocketing inflation and food prices, which have surpassed 40%, the highest in decades. “Nigerians continue to suffer while the government bickers. The lack of action on essential policies shows a government out of touch with the people’s needs,” Atiku said.
Atiku also pointed to the inefficiency within the administration, highlighting the inconsistency of policies like the abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy, which was followed by a failed push for compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure. “This government is chaotic. They act first and think later, with no coherent strategy for the nation’s development,” he lamented.
Atiku’s criticism extended to the apparent lack of preparation within the government. He noted that Tinubu had projected a drastically high exchange rate in his 2024 mid-term expenditure framework, but had failed to provide any realistic solutions to stabilize the economy. “Rather than sack his economic advisers, he continues to deceive Nigerians about reserves that do not exist,” Atiku said.
On the issue of security, Atiku also voiced concern over the emergence of new terror groups like Lakurawa in the north, calling on the president to prioritize national security over political games. “While the country is fighting multiple insurgencies, Tinubu focuses on political attacks against his opponents instead of working to improve the security situation,” Atiku added.
He went on to accuse the president of appointing his kinsmen to key positions, particularly in security and economic sectors. “Even Buhari wasn’t this blatant in his appointments,” Atiku remarked, referring to President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership style.
As Atiku continues to address what he views as Tinubu’s leadership failures, he has urged the president to focus on improving the lives of Nigerians in his remaining two years in office. “Nigerians are suffering under this government. The president needs to make significant changes before it’s too late,” Atiku said, adding that the current administration’s policies are pushing citizens to despair.
He further warned that if the situation does not improve, it could lead to more unrest, citing the recent protests where frustrated Nigerians waved Russian flags and called for military intervention. “Leaders must not push their citizens to the point where they choose fire over frying pan,” Atiku said, stressing the urgency of addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
“The people are tired of empty promises and failed policies. This should be Tinubu’s biggest concern, not wasting time attacking his opponents,” Atiku concluded.
