Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Presidency, accusing it of prioritising trivial matters while millions of Nigerians struggle with hunger, insecurity, and severe economic hardship.
Atiku faulted the Federal Government for defending photographs of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu taken during his recent visit to Paris, describing the response as insensitive and out of touch with the realities facing Nigerians.
Atiku Questions Presidency’s Priorities
The former vice president’s reaction was conveyed in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, following a recent clarification released by the Presidency.
According to Atiku, the urgency with which the government addressed the photo controversy reflects misplaced priorities at a time when the country is grappling with serious national challenges.
“The Presidency’s latest ‘Stop Press’ is a textbook case of misplaced priorities and official shamelessness. That is not leadership. It is tone-deafness in power,” the statement said.
Hunger and Insecurity Worsening Nationwide
Atiku stressed that many Nigerians are struggling to survive as food prices soar and insecurity continues to spread across several states.
He referenced ongoing attacks in parts of the country, including Niger State, noting that families can barely afford basic food items while communities remain under constant threat.
“While communities in Niger State and other parts of the country are under attack and families can no longer afford basic food, the Presidency is busy explaining camera phones, image quality, and photo editing,” he said.
Doubts Over Image Controversy
The former vice president also dismissed the Presidency’s strong reaction to claims that the photographs were manipulated or generated using artificial intelligence.
According to him, public scepticism is a natural consequence of declining trust in governance.
“When credibility is eroded, doubt follows naturally. The real falsehood is not a photograph. It is the daily distortion of leadership priorities,” Atiku stated.
Call for Urgent Action
Atiku urged the Federal Government to move away from public relations distractions and focus on real governance.
“Nigeria is burning. The Presidency is editing pictures. It is time to abandon public relations theatrics and confront the emergencies facing Nigerians — hunger, insecurity, and economic collapse — with urgency, humility, and action. That is the minimum Nigerians expect,” he added.
