Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Mortgaging Nigeria’s Future

(iexclusivenews) – Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the last election, has leveled serious allegations against President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Atiku accused Tinubu of mortgaging Nigeria’s future through nepotism and questionable business dealings.

Atiku’s statement, signed by his Media Adviser Paul Ibe, draws parallels between Tinubu’s alleged business practices in Lagos State and what he claims is now happening at the federal level.

The former vice president expressed concern that the integration of Tinubu’s business interests into public enterprises could have long-lasting negative effects on the country.

One of the main focuses of Atiku’s criticism is the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).

He alleges that the government-owned oil company has placed its retail arm under the control of OVH, a company in which Oando, led by Wale Tinubu (a relative of the president), owns a 49% stake.

Atiku describes this as a “criminal hijacking of the NNPC by corporate cabals around the current president.”

The statement outlines a series of controversial events surrounding NNPC Retail and OVH Energy.

Atiku claims that in October 2022, NNPC Retail acquired OVH and all its filling stations under unclear circumstances.

He further alleges that in a bizarre turn of events, OVH has now acquired NNPC Retail, effectively giving Wale Tinubu’s Oando a 49% ownership of NNPC Retail.

Allegations of Conflict of Interest

Atiku’s statement also touches on other areas where he believes Tinubu’s administration is engaging in nepotism and conflicts of interest.

He mentions the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which is currently under litigation.

According to Atiku, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has revealed a close relationship between Tinubu’s son, Seyi, and Gilbert Chagoury, who was awarded the contract without competitive bidding.

The former vice president expresses skepticism about the ongoing legislative investigation into the NNPC and its leadership.

He questions the credibility of the process, citing the close relationship between Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who is heading the National Assembly panel, and President Tinubu.

Implications for Nigeria’s Future

RELATED: Atiku Blasts Tinubu Over Alleged Secret Fuel Subsidy Payments

Atiku’s allegations paint a concerning picture of Nigeria’s economic future.

He suggests that the alleged nepotism and questionable business practices could have far-reaching consequences that may be difficult to reverse even after Tinubu leaves office.

The statement criticizes the approval of major infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Coastal Highway, without competitive bidding.

Atiku claims these projects, with a combined cost of over $24 billion, were approved solely based on Tinubu’s preferences.

These allegations, if proven true, could have significant implications for Nigeria’s economy and governance.

The concentration of power and economic control in the hands of a small group of individuals connected to the president could potentially stifle competition, hinder transparency, and impede economic growth.

Atiku’s statement serves as a call for increased scrutiny of government dealings and a demand for greater transparency in public-private partnerships.

It also highlights the need for robust checks and balances in the Nigerian political system to prevent potential abuses of power.

As these allegations continue to circulate, it remains to be seen how the Tinubu administration will respond and what impact this controversy may have on Nigeria’s political landscape and economic future.

The situation underscores the importance of independent investigations and the role of opposition voices in holding the government accountable.

While Atiku’s claims are serious, it’s important to note that they represent one side of the story.

A full understanding of the situation would require thorough, impartial investigations and responses from all parties involved.

As Nigeria navigates these complex issues, the coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term implications of these allegations on the country’s governance and economic trajectory.