…Atiku expressed surprise that a leader who has faced repeated scrutiny over his own credentials would attempt to discredit others.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of hypocrisy, historical distortion, and political desperation in a fresh exchange of words.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the president’s recent remarks as a “reckless tirade” that reflects a troubling pattern of inconsistency and selective interpretation of facts.
The criticism comes in response to Tinubu’s comments questioning Atiku’s credentials and his management of the nation’s economy during his tenure as vice president.
Reacting to the claims, Atiku expressed surprise that a leader who has faced repeated scrutiny over his own credentials would attempt to discredit others with what he described as verifiable records of public service.
According to the statement, Tinubu’s remarks reveal not only desperation but also a tendency to misrepresent historical realities for political advantage.
Addressing the issue of privatization, Atiku’s camp argued that the president’s criticism fails under closer examination. It noted that Tinubu had previously opposed key economic reforms that he now appears to be implementing.
Atiku maintained that he had consistently advocated for the privatization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the sale of refineries to credible private investors, policies he claimed were resisted in the past.
However, he alleged that the current administration is pursuing a form of commercialization lacking transparency, clear valuation, and accountability, raising concerns about who ultimately benefits from the process.
Describing the situation, Atiku stated that the ongoing reforms amount to “privatization without accountability,” rather than genuine economic restructuring.
The statement further suggested that the president’s comments stem from a misunderstanding or disregard of documented reforms, referencing past accounts of privatization efforts as evidence of structured and deliberate policy implementation.
It concluded that effective leadership requires consistency and courage, warning that opposing reforms in the past only to implement them in an unclear manner undermines public trust.
“You cannot oppose reform when it demands courage and then execute a shadow version of it in power,” the statement added.
