The Arewa Professionals for Democracy and Development has strongly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent remarks regarding President Bola Tinubu’s request for a $2.2 billion foreign loan.
Recall that the National Assembly had earlier approved the loan, which sparked a range of reactions across the country.
Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, raised concerns about the potential for government mismanagement and embezzlement of the funds.
However, the APDD has accused the former vice president of projecting his own values onto the current government and dismissing the strategic objectives behind the loan, according to Politics Nigeria.
Engr. Moses Odaudu, President of the APDD, referred to Atiku’s criticism as “the final twitching of an expired creature.” Odaudu explained that when loans are properly invested in infrastructure, they can serve as important economic tools.
He further criticized Atiku’s comparisons of exchange rates and claims that the loans were poorly negotiated, calling them misleading.
The APDD expressed disappointment in Atiku’s focus on the potential negative impacts of the loan, labeling his comments as “infantile tantrums.” The group argued that while it is important to scrutinize government actions, Atiku’s approach lacked an understanding of international finance and the strategic decisions involved in borrowing.
Odaudu also pointed out that Atiku failed to recognize the ongoing reforms in revenue collection by the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Customs.
The APDD urged Atiku to focus on the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, rather than making baseless accusations.
