Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy as a mere public relations gimmick. He challenged Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment by using made-in-Nigeria vehicles and conducting future medical check-ups locally instead of abroad.
Reacting to the government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy through his special assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that Nigerians are tired of empty speeches. He emphasized that if Tinubu’s government is serious about local content and economic patriotism, it must lead by example.
Atiku said Nigerians have grown weary of hollow speeches, adding that if the Tinubu’s government is truly serious about local content and economic patriotism, it must start at the very top.
“We challenge President Tinubu to stop the noise and trade in his beloved Escalade for an Innoson, Nord or any made-in-Nigeria car.
“That single act will do more to promote local industry than a thousand policy memos. Let’s see the ministers — those shameless Rolls Royce connoisseurs — sweat it out in Nigerian-made vehicles too. Or is ‘Nigeria First’ only for the masses?
“And speaking of double standards, it’s time Mr. President shelves his love affair with Paris and London. If he’s serious about patriotism, his next vacation should be at Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls. Nigeria is beautiful — unless, of course, the President thinks otherwise.
“More importantly, the era of jetting off for medical tourism while preaching self-reliance must end. We demand that President Tinubu, champion of ‘Nigeria First’, conduct all future medical check-ups at LUTH, National Hospital Abuja, UCH Ibadan, or even the N41 billion Naira Akwa Ibom world-class hospital built by an uncommon transformer, in Uyo. If these hospitals are good enough for ordinary Nigerians, they should be good enough for their Commander-in-Chief. Anything less is sheer hypocrisy.”
Atiku added: “True leadership isn’t photo-ops or soundbites. It’s setting the tone by example.”
