Josef Onoh, a former spokesman for President Bola Tinubu in the Southeast, has sharply criticized ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his recent remarks directed at the president. Atiku had previously claimed that President Tinubu has effectively compromised Nigeria’s future for his own benefit, alleging that even after leaving office, it would be difficult for the nation to free itself from his influence.
Atiku likened Tinubu’s actions to those of his associates, such as Alpha Beta and Primero, who he claims managed key sectors in Lagos for Tinubu’s financial gain, suggesting that similar practices are now being mirrored at the federal level.
In response, Onoh labeled Atiku as a “salesman” responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s privatization initiatives, which he argues left millions unemployed. He accused Atiku of spreading falsehoods intended to incite public anger against the president and his family. Onoh further contended that Atiku was instrumental in creating the current economic struggles and poverty, having previously handed Nigeria’s resources to his associates who profited at the country’s expense.
Onoh stated, “Let’s revisit the history of Atiku’s misdeeds that have led to the current state of the nation, which President Tinubu inherited without any wrongdoing. Atiku was entrusted with the economy during his tenure under former President Obasanjo until the Galaxy Backbone scandal erupted.”
He recalled a significant incident from 2006 when the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi was controversially acquired by Babalakin’s Resort Ltd. through a Development Lease Agreement with Atiku and Obasanjo, resulting in a costly decision that ultimately required President Buhari to compensate Babalakin with a staggering N54 billion due to the fallout from that deal. Onoh’s remarks underscore his belief that Atiku’s past actions are at odds with his current criticisms of Tinubu.
