‘Nigeria Needs Solutions, Not Explanations for Suffering’ — Atiku Slams Tinubu Government
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of attempting to shift responsibility for Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship onto the media and ordinary citizens.
Atiku was reacting to comments made by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused sections of the Nigerian media of portraying the country as being overwhelmed by insecurity.
Speaking on Arise Television on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that media reports often exaggerate security challenges across the country.
While acknowledging that kidnappings and attacks remain a concern, Onanuga noted that many incidents occur at night despite repeated warnings from security agencies against travelling after dark.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned the implications of the presidency’s position.
The former vice-president maintained that the responsibility for protecting lives and property rests squarely with the government and security agencies, not citizens engaged in lawful activities.
According to Atiku, insecurity across the country cannot be dismissed as media exaggeration, as Nigerians experience its consequences daily.
He further warned against normalising insecurity by encouraging citizens to restrict their movements after certain hours, arguing that such a mindset could undermine economic growth and productivity.
On the economy, the former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate accused the Tinubu administration of being disconnected from the realities confronting Nigerians.
He cited rising food prices, inflation, unemployment and declining purchasing power as evidence of deepening hardship across the country.