If Atiku Were Chinese, He Would Be Rotting in Jail — Presidency

The Presidency has launched a scathing attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of presiding over a dismal record in public office and using foreign lobbying efforts to undermine President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency criticised Atiku over his alleged involvement in the privatisation programme carried out during his tenure as Vice President, accusing him of selling national assets to cronies at giveaway prices.

Onanuga alleged that the privatisation exercise led to thousands of job losses, unpaid salaries and pension liabilities, which he said the Tinubu administration was now working to clear.

The Presidency also accused Atiku of spending $1.2 million on American lobbyists to revive a 1993 civil forfeiture case involving President Tinubu, describing the move as an attempt to externalise Nigeria’s domestic politics.

“If Atiku Abubakar were a Chinese, he would be rotting away in jail for his crimes against the Nigerian people,” the statement reads.

The Presidency said Atiku should focus on presenting policy alternatives to address Nigeria’s challenges rather than engaging in what it described as media theatrics and lobbying in Washington.

It added that President Tinubu remained focused on his Renewed Hope Agenda and would not be distracted by Atiku’s political activities.