Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on the Presidency, accusing it of focusing on trivial matters while Nigeria grapples with hunger, insecurity, and deepening economic hardship.
Atiku condemned what he described as the Presidency’s decision to publicly defend images of President Bola Tinubu’s lunch in Paris, saying the response showed a troubling lack of sensitivity to the suffering of Nigerians. His remarks were contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, following a recent announcement from the Presidency.
According to Atiku, the speed and tone of the statement raised serious questions about the government’s sense of urgency, especially at a time when many parts of the country are facing violent attacks, rising food prices, and widespread fear.
He described the development as a clear case of misplaced priorities, arguing that leadership should be measured by action and empathy rather than public relations battles. Atiku said the focus on defending photographs, camera quality, and image editing reflected a dangerous disconnect from the daily realities confronting ordinary Nigerians.
The former Vice President pointed to the worsening security situation in states such as Niger, where communities have come under repeated attacks, forcing families to live in fear and uncertainty. He said many Nigerians could no longer afford basic food items, even as inflation and unemployment continued to erode living standards.
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Atiku dismissed the Presidency’s strong rebuttal of claims that the Paris images were manipulated or generated using artificial intelligence, saying public doubt was a natural outcome of declining trust in governance. He argued that when credibility is damaged, skepticism becomes inevitable.
He stressed that the real issue was not whether a photograph was altered, but the continued distortion of national priorities at a time of crisis. According to him, Nigerians expect leadership that is focused, present, and responsive to their most pressing needs.
Calling on the federal government to abandon what he termed public relations distractions, Atiku urged the Presidency to concentrate on restoring security, addressing hunger, and stabilising the economy. He said the country was in a state of emergency and deserved leadership that understood the gravity of the moment and acted accordingly.
