In a firm rebuttal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent accusations, the Nigerian Presidency on Tuesday addressed claims that President Bola Tinubu is neglecting pressing security and economic challenges. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement, dismissed Atiku’s comments as reckless and potentially reflective of an electoral defeat hangover.
The statement, titled “President Tinubu on top of the domestic situation: Respond to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,” criticized Atiku’s approach, stating, “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s statement accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of fiddling amidst some security and economic challenges is, to say the least, reckless. We believe Alhaji Atiku may still be nursing the hangover of his electoral defeat.”
The Presidency reassured the public that President Tinubu, despite being on a private visit to Paris, France, remains fully engaged with domestic affairs. “President Tinubu announced his private visit and return date. He continues to follow developments at home and is on top of the situation,” Onanuga noted.
The statement highlighted recent actions by President Tinubu, including the inauguration of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage and directives to security chiefs to combat criminality. “He is in constant touch with officials and has ordered them to stamp out criminal activities, including the recent monarch murders in Ekiti State and pupil kidnappings.”
The Presidency also pointed out significant progress in security operations, with the arrest of over 139 kidnappers and the rescue of 154 abducted persons in recent days. “President Tinubu approved a N50 billion Special Fund to address security challenges in the North East and funds for equipment to track criminals in the FCT,” the statement added.
The Presidency concluded by stating, “If Alhaji Atiku is genuinely concerned about security issues, he should recognize that President Tinubu is actively working to restore peace across the country. Our security agencies are receiving full support to win the battle against criminal elements.”
This response from the Presidency underscores its commitment to maintaining national security and addressing economic challenges, countering claims of inaction and reinforcing President Tinubu’s proactive stance on these crucial issues.
