Start patronizing from your countrymen – Atiku tells Tinubu

Former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to end what he described as a “love affair with Paris and London” when choosing vacation spots

Atiku said Tinubu should instead consider Nigerian tourist destinations such as Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls. He argued that such a move would send a stronger message in support of local industries than any policy paper.

His comments came in response to the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of a “Nigeria First” policy aimed at promoting locally made goods and services. Information Minister Mohammed Idris announced that the policy would soon be backed by an executive order to reinforce government patronage of Nigerian products.

Reacting through a statement issued Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of hypocrisy.

“And speaking of double standards, it’s time Mr. President shelved his love affair with Paris and London,” the statement read.

“If he’s serious about patriotism, his next vacation should be at Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls. Nigeria is beautiful—unless, of course, the President thinks otherwise.”

Atiku also took aim at the President’s frequent medical trips abroad, urging Tinubu to lead by example by receiving treatment in Nigerian hospitals such as LUTH, National Hospital Abuja, UCH Ibadan, or the state-of-the-art facility in Uyo.

“If these hospitals are good enough for ordinary Nigerians, they should be good enough for their Commander-in-Chief. Anything less is sheer hypocrisy,” Shaibu stated.

He concluded by saying, “This government’s addiction to foreign luxuries while demanding sacrifice from suffering Nigerians is the height of insincerity. True leadership isn’t about photo ops or soundbites—it’s about setting the tone by example.”

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