The Presidency has strongly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his recent allegations against President Bola Tinubu and his son, Seyi, regarding their business dealings with the Chagoury Group, labelling them as fallacious. In response to Atiku’s claims, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, asserted that Atiku had a history of distorting facts for personal gain.
Onanuga refuted Atiku’s assertions that President Tinubu’s private interests hindered foreign investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s economy, citing significant foreign investment inflows during Tinubu’s administration. He highlighted the administration’s success in attracting over $20 billion in investments within its first year and emphasized the substantial increase in foreign investment in Nigeria’s stock market.
The presidential spokesperson accused Atiku of hypocrisy, pointing out inconsistencies in his past business dealings while serving as Vice President. Onanuga challenged Atiku’s credibility, citing instances where Atiku allegedly abused his office for personal gain, including maintaining business links with Intels Nigeria during his tenure.
Regarding Seyi Tinubu’s involvement with CDK, a tiles manufacturing company, Onanuga defended Seyi’s right to pursue legitimate business interests, emphasizing that his affiliation with CDK did not constitute a conflict of interest. He criticized Atiku for attempting to tarnish Seyi’s reputation based on unsubstantiated claims.
Onanuga also condemned Atiku’s opposition to infrastructure projects initiated by the Tinubu administration, such as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, attributing Atiku’s stance to political motives. He argued that infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar highway would stimulate economic growth and benefit multiple states.
In conclusion, Onanuga reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to driving economic development and urged Atiku to desist from undermining national progress for political gain. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects under President Tinubu’s leadership, dismissing Atiku’s criticisms as baseless and politically motivated.
