Atiku Critiques Tinubu's China Standard on Forfeiture

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, responded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration's use of China as a standard in political discourse, labeling it a “monumental own goal.” In a statement released on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku noted that the comparison has subjected Tinubu to increased public scrutiny. He emphasized that he has never been convicted of any crime, including corruption or narcotics offenses.

Atiku pointed out that if the presidency insists on using China as a benchmark for accountability, Nigerians should question the implications of the $460,000 forfeiture to the United States, which is alleged to be linked to narcotics trafficking and money laundering. He criticized the Tinubu administration for its handling of corruption and public accountability, asserting that such issues would not be tolerated in China.

Atiku also condemned the presidency for misrepresenting diplomatic correspondence with the United States as a form of judicial acquittal.