Tinubu accuses Atiku of creating pension backlog, vows to stabilise economy

President Bola Tinubu has accused the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, of creating challenges his administration is now addressing, alleging that the former vice president privatized government investments without settling pension obligations.

Tinubu made the remarks during a meeting with members of the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Association and stakeholders from the North-East, who endorsed the renomination of Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

Speaking on his administration’s economic agenda, the President said Nigeria’s priority was to achieve economic stability and improve social welfare for citizens.

“There is nowhere like home. I have experienced being in America and have taken the best of America in my chosen profession, accountancy and finance. Where can I apply it best after initial training with Deloitte & Touche? I can’t forget the Standard Oil Building in Chicago and my first week there,” Tinubu said.

He also stressed the need for unity in tackling insecurity, particularly terrorism and banditry in the North-East.

“The leadership of the Northeast is challenged because of terrorism and banditry. I could see a collaboration that would work together. Only if we stick together, work together, and face the challenges the best way possible as a united country,” he said.

The President maintained that Nigerians were seeking economic stability above all else, saying his administration was working to address inherited challenges.

“The olden age is here now. If you can stabilize the economy, Nigerians are not asking for too much, simple stability and social welfare. If I can go political, somebody among my prospective opponents privatized government investment in public entities but forgot to pay the pension. I’m clearing the pensioners now, so clearing the mess they created,” Tinubu added.

Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s vice president between 1999 and 2007, has yet to publicly respond to Tinubu’s allegations.