President Bola Tinubu has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to disclose how he financed the establishment of his university during his time in public office, escalating a political dispute over responsibility for Nigeria’s economic hardship.
Tinubu links former leaders to economic pressures
Speaking on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Tinubu said Atiku had been among the leaders involved in running Nigeria’s economy and should therefore face questions over the country’s current challenges.
The president was responding to criticism of his administration over rising hunger and broader economic strain. He rejected claims that his government alone should be blamed for the difficulties confronting Nigerians.
- Tinubu said Atiku had participated in the government that oversaw the economy.
- He argued that Nigerians should ask how Atiku secured the resources to create his university while serving as vice president.
- He said the funds and labour behind the institution ultimately came from Nigerians.
Questions over university funding and public ethics
“Atiku was part of the government that managed the economy, so Nigerians should ask him where he got the money to establish his university while serving as vice president,” Tinubu said.
He added: “Ask him how he built the university while he was serving as vice president and in charge of our economy. Who built the university for him? It was your money and your effort.”
Tinubu also challenged Atiku’s credibility as a critic of the current administration, questioning whether the former vice president had the moral authority to attack the government.
He portrayed Atiku as lacking the integrity and ethical standards expected from people holding public office.
