In a scathing response to President Bola Tinubu’s camp, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has dismissed accusations of envy and lack of originality in his economic proposals. Atiku’s aide, Phrank Shaibu, stated that unlike Tinubu, Atiku is not a bigot and didn’t refund money to the United States for alleged drug trafficking.
Atiku criticized Tinubu’s economic policies, citing the lifting of import duty on essential goods like food, which has yet to take off despite being announced over 120 days ago. He also highlighted the failure of the finance ministry to issue a gazette after four months, reflecting the “fatuousness, inanity, and incompetence” of the Tinubu administration.
Key Points from Atiku’s Statement:
- Economic Policies: Atiku slammed Tinubu’s policies, saying they are killing Nigerians and focusing on verbal assaults rather than governance.
- Security Concerns: Atiku expressed concern over the emergence of a new terrorist organization, Lakurawa, and the incessant grid collapses in the north.
- Tinubu’s Leadership: Atiku described Tinubu as unprepared for office, acting first and thinking of consequences afterwards.
Atiku advised Tinubu to focus on improving the lives of Nigerians, rather than attacking the opposition. The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between the two leaders and their respective parties.