Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu's recent national address, labeling it as an ineffective speech that fails to address the pressing issues facing Nigerians. In a statement released by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku argued that the President’s speech did not offer any real solutions to the ongoing hardships in the country
Speech Falls Short
According to Atiku, the broadcast, which was intended to calm public unrest over poor governance, missed its mark entirely. He expressed disappointment that the President’s speech did not acknowledge or provide solutions to the economic struggles that have burdened Nigerian families since the beginning of Tinubu’s administration.
“His (Tinubu’s) speech neglects the pressing economic hardships that have besieged Nigerian families since the very beginning of his tenure," Atiku said. “This address lacks credibility and fails to offer any immediate, tangible solutions to the Nigerian people.”
Lack of Reform Announcement
Atiku noted that, given the significant attention and threats made against demonstrators, he expected President Tinubu to introduce substantial reforms aimed at reducing the high costs of governance. However, the President made no such announcements, ignoring demands to suspend the purchase of presidential aircraft, reduce the size of his cabinet, or eliminate the costly office of the First Lady.
“In his lacklustre recorded speech, President Tinubu offered a superficial account of his so-called reforms, revealing his own tenuous grasp of policy as he failed to convince his audience,” Atiku commented.
Call for Accountability
Atiku challenged the President and his administration to acknowledge their failures over the past 14 months and abandon the notion that the protests are orchestrated by the opposition. He emphasized that this government has failed in multiple areas, including maintaining the confidentiality of a presidential speech.
“While the President has spoken, it is unfortunate that his words lack substance and respect for the protesters’ sentiments, leaving Nigerians with little faith in his reform agenda—if one exists at all,” Atiku concluded.
0 Comments