The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for allegedly politicizing security matters by appointing his kinsmen to key security positions.
Atiku’s remarks came in response to the recent emergence of a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, in the Northwestern part of Nigeria.
Atiku expressed concern over the growing security challenges, particularly the frequent grid collapses in the North, which he attributed to criminal activities, according to Daily Post.
He called on President Tinubu to prioritize improving security, which he described as a critical factor for attracting investments and ensuring national stability.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku condemned the announcement of the new terrorist organization, Lakurawa, by military authorities. He labeled the situation as “unfortunate” and accused the president of turning security into a political issue by appointing his family members and close associates to top positions in both security and economic sectors.
Atiku further criticized Tinubu for placing his kinsmen in several key government positions, including in the Ministries of Finance, Trade and Investment, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
He compared this to the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that Buhari had not been as “brazen” in his political appointments.
Additionally, Atiku raised concerns about the allocation of resources under Tinubu’s administration, particularly the commitment of over $13 billion to the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. Atiku argued that this expenditure, which has led to the displacement of many Lagos residents, was done to please Tinubu’s associates, while other critical issues, including security, have been neglected.
Atiku advised President Tinubu to act decisively while he still has the opportunity, stating that Nigerians are growing increasingly disillusioned with his administration.
He noted that “the President had decided to play politics with security by appointing his kinsmen in top security and economic positions.”
“Even on the economy, he put his kinsmen in every key position, beginning from finance minister, trade and investment, CBN, customs, and FIRS. Even President Muhammadu Buhari was not this brazen. Unlike Tinubu, Atiku is not a bigot. He has also not refunded money to the United States for alleged drug trafficking.
“Despite a huge revenue challenge, Tinubu commits over $13bn to the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, rendering scores of Lagos residents homeless just to please his associates while other pressing matters are starved of funds.”
Atiku advised the president to “make hay while the sun shines,” as Nigerians are tired of his administration.
