In a statement following Tinubu's departure, Atiku described the President's absence as indicative of a "disturbing vacuum of political leadership." He emphasized that while there may not be a constitutional gap, the lack of presidential presence during this critical period is troubling.
Atiku contrasted his own travels with those of a sitting president, stating, “The responsibilities of a President are fundamentally different from those of a private citizen.” He highlighted the escalating challenges facing Nigerians, including soaring living costs, food insecurity, and rampant insecurity, asserting that these issues demand the President's attention at home.
"Consider what Bola Tinubu is leaving behind: petrol prices out of reach for ordinary people, families rationing food, and transport fares that have made simple journeys a luxury," Atiku pointed out. He also mentioned that Vice-President Kashim Shettima was abroad on official duty, making Tinubu's vacation even harder to justify.
Atiku argued that true leadership involves knowing when a country needs its leader’s physical presence. “A father may travel when all is well. But when his roof is burning, he does not head for the airport,” he said, using a fire analogy to emphasize the urgency of the situation.
He clarified that his criticism was not against presidential travel per se, but against the timing of Tinubu’s trip amid Nigeria's pressing challenges. “It’s not that a President must never rest or travel; it’s that Nigeria is burning, and the President has chosen a boarding pass over the fire extinguisher,” he stated.
Atiku further lambasted the economic policies of the current administration, claiming millions of Nigerians are suffering from the rising cost of living. “While their President is airborne, Nigerians are grounded by hardship,” he said.
In closing, Atiku contrasted his vision for leadership with that of Tinubu’s administration, asserting, “Tinubu made Nigeria expensive. I will make Nigeria affordable again.”
No comments:
Post a Comment