In a direct response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent private trip to France, Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has urged Tinubu to step aside if he finds the responsibilities of governance overwhelming.
Atiku conveyed his message through his Twitter handle @atiku on Tuesday, criticizing the timing of President Tinubu’s foreign trip while the nation faces a surge in armed kidnappings, particularly in the capital, Abuja, and other regions.
The former Vice President mocked Tinubu, stating, “Step aside, Nigeria doesn’t need another Tourist-in-Chief,” highlighting concerns over the security challenges gripping the country.
Atiku said, “Tinubu is playing fiddle while Nigeria is drowning in the ocean of insecurity.
“To imagine that the Commander-in-Chief is on a so-called private visit while kidnappers kill a nursing mother and grandmother in Abuja for failing to pay N90m ransom and two monarchs in Ekiti, among other regular tragedies besetting Nigerians.
“If the shoes are too big for Emilokan, he should step aside. Nigeria does not need another Tourist-in-Chief.
“The country needs 24/7 leadership to confront the pervasive insecurity and collapsing economy.”
Atiku’s comments add to the ongoing discourse surrounding the government’s response to the escalating issue of kidnappings.
This exchange amplifies the growing political tension and scrutiny as the country grapples with security concerns, demanding a comprehensive and effective response from leaders.