Newspot Nigeria
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has unleashed a fierce condemnation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent trip to France, accusing the president of abandoning a nation in deep crisis while indulging in what he described as “vanity trips abroad.”
In a press release issued by the Atiku Media Office and signed by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, the former Vice President described the Tinubu presidency as “a disaster” and questioned the rationale behind yet another overseas visit — this time under the guise of a “working visit.” He argued that the president’s travels, totaling nearly 59 days in France since assuming office, are both irresponsible and contemptuous toward suffering Nigerians.
The statement highlighted the worsening security situation in Plateau, Benue, and other parts of the country, coupled with increasing poverty, joblessness, and a near-collapse of public confidence. “This isn’t just negligence. It’s dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale,” Atiku said.
He further condemned the Tinubu administration for what he referred to as a “contrived political emergency” in Rivers State, contrasting it with the real and deepening emergencies unfolding nationwide.
Atiku questioned Tinubu’s patriotism, suggesting that if he had “even a shred of empathy,” he would have cut short the trip and returned to address the growing turmoil.
Newspot Nigeria notes that the presidency has yet to formally respond to the allegations raised in the statement.
Below is the full statement as issued by the Atiku Media Office:
PRESS RELEASE
Nigeria is in a full-blown state of emergency – Atiku
When will Tinubu declare a state of emergency on his own disastrous Presidency?
On April 2, 2025, President Bola Tinubu flew out to France. Had this absurd announcement come just a day earlier, Nigerians would have dismissed it as an April Fool’s joke. But sadly, it’s no prank — just another insult to a nation pushed to the brink by a presidency that treats its citizens like fools.
The official excuse? A so-called “working visit.” But Nigerians aren’t buying the spin. The presidency scrambled to clarify that it wasn’t a medical trip — how noble. But even if it’s not medical tourism, what justification is there for gallivanting across Europe while Nigeria bleeds? What kind of leader borrows billions only to blow scarce funds on vanity trips abroad? It’s not just irresponsible — it’s contemptuous.
Let the facts speak for themselves. By the time Tinubu struts back from this latest escapade, he will have racked up a staggering 59 days in France since assuming office. “See Paris and die?” No — see Paris and abandon your country.
While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos. Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks. Benue is bleeding. Boko Haram is seizing territory. And every single day, Nigerians sink deeper into poverty, insecurity, and despair.
This isn’t just negligence. It’s dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale.
If Tinubu had even a shred of empathy, he would cut his trip short and return immediately. A leader with an ounce of patriotism wouldn’t need to be begged to show up in times of crisis. The constitution says the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government. But under Tinubu, that sacred duty has been trashed.
Let’s be honest: there is absolutely nothing Tinubu is doing in France that he couldn’t do in Lagos, or even in Iragbiji. This so-called “working visit” is nothing more than a vacation cloaked in official jargon.
Nigeria is in a full-blown state of emergency. Not a contrived political emergency like what Tinubu declared in Rivers for partisan gain — this is a national collapse. So when, exactly, will Tinubu declare a state of emergency on his own disastrous presidency?
Signed:
Paul Ibe
Atiku Media Office
Abuja
April 16, 2025
Stay with Newspot Nigeria for continued coverage and political analysis.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
