Politics
THE Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over reports that his U.S.-based lobbyists submitted petitions to President Donald Trump and the U.S. State Department concerning President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described the move as inappropriate and inconsistent with the conduct expected of a statesman.
Onanuga said Nigeria was a sovereign nation and that taking domestic political disputes to foreign governments undermined the country’s dignity and independence.
He said the civil forfeiture matter involving Tinubu in the United States dated back to 1993 and had long been resolved without any criminal conviction.
According to him, the issue had also been addressed during the 2023 presidential election and subsequent legal proceedings, including the Supreme Court’s judgment.
The presidential aide alleged that Atiku’s reported expenditure on lobbying in the United States was aimed at reviving issues Nigerians had already settled through the electoral process.
He also urged the former vice president to address questions surrounding his own legal history in the United States, referring to investigations linked to the William Jefferson corruption case and a 2010 U.S. Senate report.
Onanuga further accused Atiku of supervising a flawed privatisation programme while serving as vice president, alleging that national assets were sold below value to associates.
He argued that the former vice president should present policy alternatives to address Nigeria’s challenges instead of engaging in foreign lobbying.
According to him, President Tinubu remains focused on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda, stabilising the economy, improving security and attracting investment.
The Presidency said the administration would not be distracted by political opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections. (NAN)
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Tags: Atiku presidency