By Chimezie Godfrey
The Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his reported engagement of lobbyists in the United States to petition President Donald Trump and members of the US Congress over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the move as an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused Atiku of allowing his presidential ambition to overshadow the qualities expected of an elder statesman.
According to the Presidency, Atiku’s reported decision to revive issues relating to President Tinubu’s 1993 civil forfeiture case in the United States was unnecessary, insisting that the matter had long been resolved without any criminal conviction.
The statement argued that the issue had been litigated and settled decades ago and was further overtaken by Tinubu’s electoral victories and subsequent judicial pronouncements affirming his election.
”It is important to remind Atiku and his associates that Nigeria is a sovereign nation, not a satellite of any foreign power. Reporting the President of Nigeria to another country’s leader is not only inappropriate but also undermines the nation’s dignity and independence,” the Presidency stated.
The Presidency further alleged that Atiku had spent about $1.2 million on American lobbyists and challenged the former vice president to clarify his own legal history in the United States.
It also referenced Atiku’s alleged links to the William Jefferson bribery scandal and a 2010 US Senate investigative report titled Keeping Foreign Corruption Out of the United States: Four Case Histories, which examined financial transactions involving Atiku and his former wife, Jennifer Douglas.
The statement further accused the former vice president of overseeing a flawed privatisation programme during his tenure in office, alleging that national assets were sold below value to political associates, resulting in job losses and unpaid pensions.
According to the Presidency, Atiku’s continued criticism of the administration was motivated by his long-standing ambition to become president rather than a genuine concern for national development.
It maintained that rather than offering policy alternatives to address Nigeria’s challenges, the former vice president had chosen to engage in what it described as political theatrics and foreign lobbying.
The Presidency said President Tinubu remains focused on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda, stabilising the economy, improving national security, attracting investments and enhancing Nigeria’s global standing.
It added that the President would not be distracted by political opponents as his administration continues to pursue its governance priorities.
Presidency tackles Atiku over US lobbying against Tinubu
