President Bola Tinubu has declared his intent to address what he describes as the legacy of mismanagement left behind by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of privatizing public investments without ensuring pension payments for retirees. Speaking during a meeting with the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Association and Northeast stakeholders, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to correcting past failures and restoring economic stability. The event also served as a platform to reaffirm his choice of Kashim Shettima as his vice presidential running mate for the upcoming election.
Tinubu’s remarks came as part of a broader appeal for national unity, particularly in the Northeast region, which continues to grapple with the effects of terrorism and banditry. He stressed the importance of collaboration among leaders and communities to overcome these challenges. “The leadership of the Northeast is challenged because of terrorism and banditry,” Tinubu said. “I could see a collaboration that would work together. Only we stick together, work together, and face the challenges the best way possible as a united country.”
Recalling his own professional journey, Tinubu reflected on his time in the United States, where he trained in accountancy and finance with Deloitte & Touche. He highlighted the lessons learned during his early career, particularly his first week at the Standard Oil Building in Chicago, as foundational to his approach to governance. “There is nowhere like home,” he stated. “I have experienced being in America and have taken the best of America in my chosen profession. Where can I apply it best after initial training? I can’t forget the standard oil building in Chicago and my first week there.”
Tinubu used the occasion to directly confront his political opponents, particularly Atiku Abubakar, whom he accused of privatizing government investments while neglecting the welfare of pensioners. “The olden age is here now,” he said. “If you can stabilize the economy, Nigerians are not asking for too much — simple stability and social welfare. If I can go political, somebody among my prospective opponents privatized government investment in public entities but forgot to pay the pension. I’m clearing the pensioners now, so clearing the mess they created.”
His comments underscore a key theme of his administration: accountability and the restoration of trust in public institutions. By addressing pension arrears and economic reforms, Tinubu aims to demonstrate his government’s focus on delivering tangible results for citizens. The ongoing efforts to resolve pension obligations reflect a broader strategy to rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s fiscal management.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Tinubu’s remarks signal a renewed emphasis on economic reform and national cohesion. His administration’s actions in the coming months will be closely watched as indicators of its ability to deliver on these promises.
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