ATIKU DEMANDS APOLOGY TO ONAIYEKAN, REJECTS TINUBU’S ECONOMIC CLAIMS

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Presidency to apologise to Cardinal John Onaiyekan over recent comments directed at the Catholic cleric, accusing the Tinubu administration of showing intolerance towards dissenting views.
Atiku said Cardinal Onaiyekan deserves respect for his longstanding service to the nation and the Church, adding that public officials should engage critics with civility rather than personal attacks.
The former presidential candidate also rejected the Federal Government’s positive assessment of the economy, arguing that many Nigerians continue to face severe hardship despite the administration’s claims of economic progress.
According to Atiku, rising inflation, unemployment, poverty, and the high cost of living remain major challenges confronting millions of citizens, and these realities cannot be ignored.
He urged the Federal Government to focus on implementing policies that directly improve the welfare of Nigerians instead of relying on economic statistics that, in his view, do not reflect the daily experiences of ordinary people.
Atiku further stressed the importance of protecting freedom of expression and respecting the opinions of religious and civic leaders, saying constructive criticism is essential for strengthening democracy and promoting good governance.
The former Vice President reaffirmed his call for greater accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance, urging the administration to address the country’s economic and social challenges through dialogue and effective policy implementation.