Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to end what he described as public relations theatrics and focus on Nigeria’s deepening crises. He said the country needs decisive leadership as economic hardship and insecurity continue to worsen.
Atiku reacted to viral photographs showing President Tinubu having lunch with Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, in Paris. He described the development as a sign of misplaced priorities at a time when many Nigerians struggle to survive.
Atiku slams Paris lunch amid national hardship
In a statement issued on Sunday, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, criticised the Presidency for highlighting the Paris meeting while Nigerians face hunger and rising costs of living.
According to Shaibu, communities in parts of Niger State and other regions continue to suffer violent attacks. Meanwhile, many businesses have shut down due to economic pressure.
“That is not leadership. It is tone-deafness in power,” Shaibu said.
Criticism over photo controversy
Shaibu also faulted the Presidency’s response to questions about the Paris photographs. He said Nigerians were not interested in explanations about camera quality, editing, or image clarity.
“Nigerians did not ask for a Paris menu; they asked for leadership,” he said.
He added that public doubt over the images reflects a wider loss of trust in the Tinubu administration.
Atiku says credibility has eroded
Atiku said scepticism now follows the Presidency because public confidence has declined. He accused government officials of attacking the media instead of addressing the issues facing citizens.
“When credibility is eroded, doubt follows,” Atiku said. “Nigeria is burning. The Presidency is editing pictures.”
According to him, the real falsehood is not a photograph but a failure to prioritise national emergencies.
Call for urgent action
Atiku urged the President to return home and confront Nigeria’s challenges with urgency. He listed hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship as issues demanding immediate attention.
He said Nigerians expect humility, action, and results from their leaders. According to Atiku, tackling these problems, rather than managing optics, remains the true test of leadership
