Politics
)
President Bola Tinubu has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to explain how he financed the establishment of his university while in office, accusing him of using public resources to advance private interests.
Tinubu made the allegation at an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He urged residents to renew the mandate they gave him and Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2023 as he seeks a second term in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
Responding to opposition criticism over the rising cost of living, Tinubu argued that some of those blaming his administration for economic hardship had contributed to the problems it inherited. “Those people, talking of hunger, are clearly the mess they created. Atiku was one of them,” he said.
“Ask him how he built the university, while he was in office as vice president in charge of our economy. Who built the university for you? It’s your money. It’s your effort.” Tinubu defended his administration’s economic policies, saying 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states had been unable to pay salaries when he took office and that his government had since improved the situation.
The president also thanked Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his handling of the political crisis that had threatened the stability of the state government. “When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed democrat. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done,” Tinubu said.
Recalling the support he received from Rivers voters in 2023, Tinubu said: “Rivers State, you have been good to me. In 2023, when I looked very helpless, you stood out to support me. Today again, I return here to say thank you. And seek your support for the second term.”
Shettima also asked Rivers voters to back the ticket for another term. He accused opposition politicians of trying to discredit Tinubu for political gain and took aim at Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, saying Obi had been “diligently philosophizing himself into political relevance”.
Fubara, in turn, credited Tinubu with helping restore peace in Rivers. He said the president had intervened directly during the political crisis and made personal sacrifices that allowed the state administration to continue governing.
“Today, by the mercy of God Almighty and your fatherly intervention, Rivers State is peaceful. Let me, on behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, say thank you,” Fubara said. “Rivers will give you three million votes. We will stand by you. We will work for you. We will deliver for you.”
