Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar has fired back at President Bola Tinubu, over comments on his performance on the privatisation programme of Nigeria.
On Thursday, Tinubu shot a salvo at Atiku, whom he accused of attempting to privatise the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Tinubu stated that Atiku’s previous role in Nigeria’s privatisation programme was largely unsuccessful.
But in a quick fireback, Atiku said Tinubu’s ‘comments do not align with his present policies.
His reply is contained in a statement signed by, his senior special assistant on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, who labeled Tinubu’s comments as a “reckless tirade” reflecting “a troubling pattern of hypocrisy and historical amnesia”.
“Atiku Abubakar’s attention has been drawn to the latest reckless tirade by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — a performance that exposes not just desperation, but a troubling pattern of hypocrisy and historical amnesia,” the statement reads.
He stated that AtikuAbubakar had long advocated for the privatisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the sale of refineries to private investors.
Shaibu said the administration of Tinubu is implementing similar policies without transparency.
“This is not reform; it is privatisation without accountability
“You cannot oppose reform when it demands courage and then execute a shadow version of it in power,” he said.
“The President’s attempt to reduce a serious economic legacy to playground ridicule only underscores a deeper problem: a leadership more comfortable with insults than with facts.”
Shaibu noted that present economic conditions contradict the claims of the administration.
“Across the country, families are skipping meals, businesses are shutting their doors, and hardworking citizens are watching their incomes evaporate under the weight of relentless inflation and a collapsing purchasing power,” he added.
“What has been marketed as reform has translated into hardship without relief.”
“A leader who has not fully resolved questions about his own background should exercise restraint before casting aspersions on others,” the statement added.
