The Proactive Coalition of Nigerians (PROCON) has slammed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent policy advice to President Bola Tinubu.
Condemning what it described as Atiku’s persistent interference in Nigeria’s democratic process, PROCON said the policy advice is a desperate attempt by Atiku to revive his failed presidential ambition.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 election, had in a recent statement titled, ‘What we would have done differently’, criticised the way the Federal Government managed the fuel subsidy removal, as well as the fiscal and monetary policies of Tinubu’s administration.
The ex-VP outlined a set of policies he could have pursued if he were the President, and advised Tinubu borrow and implement them.
“I hope Tinubu and members of his administration are humble enough to borrow one or two things from our ideas in the interest of the Nigerian people.
“We would have planned better and more robustly: My journey of reforms would have benefited from more adequate preparations; more sufficient diagnostic assessment of the country’s conditions; more consultations with key stakeholders; and better ideas for the final destination,” Atiku said in the statement.
The Presidency had dismissed Atiku’s statement, saying Nigerians would have been worse off if the PDP candidate had won the 2023 presidential poll.
Responding to the Presidency’s assertion, Atiku claimed that Tinubu did not win the election, alleging that the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate rigged his way into office. Atiku insisted he won the 2023 presidential election.
Weighing in on the matter on Thursday, PROCON, in a statement by its national president, David Onuh, criticized what it described as Atiku’s ‘outdated ideas’.
PROCON accused Atiku of advocating for subsidy removal without addressing structural issues, and prioritizing profits over people.
According to the the coalition, Nigerians rejected Atiku’s leadership style in the 2023 elections because his approach to governance is not compatible with national progress.
PROCON urged Atiku to respect the democratic process and allow the current government to implement its vision.
The statement read, “The choice of Asiwaju over Atiku was a collective effort by Nigeria populace which is evident to the fact that Atiku’s brand of leadership was not only unfit for Nigeria’s present challenges, but it also carried many risks of selfish interests over the national good.
“Atiku who had previously held the second-highest office in this country, had his tenure so much left to be desired. It was one that spiraled from many controversies over policy decisions, and to questionable alliances, making his legacy looking contentious.
“This his blatant attempts to reassert himself into the national dialogue with claims that the government should adopt his manifesto exposes a disconnect between his selfish priorities and the needs of the citizens.
“We are sorry to tell him that Nigerians moved past his vision for a reason, and his latest appeals will not resonate with a public that has already weighed his leadership style and found it lacking, let alone to be considered.
“Nigeria is obviously better off without Atiku if one of its most seasoned elders and past presidents ever declined to support him at any point in time.
“Atiku’s drive for privatization is a risky venture which is believed to prioritize profits over people. Being known for who he his, it is evident that our natural resources would be privatized to Atiku’ himself through proxy means, and others would be in the hands of his allies, in a deceitful presentation as a route to efficiency and Advancement which would end in no fruition.
“We all know that a sale of national resources frequently concentrates them in the hands of a few number of people, which disadvantages affect regular Nigerians. Atiku stance on selling Nigeria’s refineries and other infrastructures would have obviously converted public resources into private assets, leaving the populace at the expense of a full private manipulation.
“With this knowledge that his manifesto and track record are heavily focused on privatization, notably of Nigeria’s refineries and other national assets, the majority swiftly rejected his Presidential aspiration in 2023. With this decision, Nigerian unanimously avoided creating a nation that would surely become more divided and resentful.
“Having a leader with so much obsession with oil as the foundation of Nigeria economy is a catastrophic flaw in any strategy. In an era where every economies are already diversifying and shifting to sustainable industries, technology, and renewable energy, Atiku’s focus is one which betrays a lack of understanding on the full potential Nigeria’s economy has.
“No one is moved by the manipulative political tactics by Atiku Abubakar any longer. Nigerians already made it clear at the polling units that they don’t agree with his views and ideals, and wouldn’t want him on the presidential seat.
“Firmly based on an antiquated form government, it is obvious that his strategy is incompatible with the goals of a country aiming for economic innovation, equity, national relevance, and growth. Nigerians no longer desire leaders who still uphold outdated ideas of power in the present changed political trajectory. Atiku’s action embodies an era where political elites profiting was prioritized over the growth and advancement of national populace.
“The Proactive Coalition of Nigerians is convinced that there are valid worries that Nigeria might have returned to a course of nepotism and cronyism if Atiku had been elected by Nigerians. With the climate of suspicion surrounding Atiku’s political ambitions because of his troubled past and dubious ties, he is to be distrusted rather than trusted, and therefore needs to be ignored by Nigerians and the Presidency.
“Understanding these dangers of having a choice of Atiku, Nigerians already made the prudent decision to back Tinubu’s presidency in order to prevent them. It would have been brutal and detrimental to Nigeria to have a President whose goals are not in line with those of the people, but it’s a blessing that Tinubu is far more suited to lead the country than Atiku because he possesses the vision, accountability, and sincere dedication in leading the country right despite the inherited problems and challenges being faced.
“Now under Asiwaju leadership, things have changed from how it used to be. The president has demonstrated an awareness of the necessity in making investments related to Nigeria’s future, one which is in contrast to Atiku’s thought and actions.
“President Tinubu has reflected a vision which encompassed social advancement, inclusivity, regional unity, and economic diversification. In a wise comparison, while Tinubu’s ideas stand to benefit the present and future generations, Atiku’s proposals are focused on short-term advantages that frequently benefit a small number of elites, and not even sustainable for the present generation.
“It is important to note that, the 2023 decision Nigerians made was motivated by their desire for a leader who is honest, accept responsibility for his actions, and is dedicated to the development of the country. Atiku Abubakar must understand that Nigerians have already moved on from his rejected outmoded ideologies and self-serving ambition.
“Hence, demanding that the government embrace his platform is very disrespectful of the people’s choice, and he needs to sit down in Dubai quietly till his next routine of Presidential campaign. We are focused on the future, not the past, and Atiku’s political style is just obsolete.
“The days of profit-driven governance and self-serving agendas are finished. Nigerians demand leaders who are willing to strive for the common good, who prioritize the country’s interests before their own, and who welcome economic diversity. In these difficult times, Nigeria needs this dedication to a resilient and egalitarian economy.”
Coalition knocks Atiku over policy advice to Tinubu
