Atiku Condemns Tinubu’s Leadership, Accuses Him of ‘Grab and Snatch’ Approach to Democracy

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubukar has berated President Bola Tinubu, saying his policy on democracy still remained ‘grab and snatch’.
In a statement by media aide, Paul Ibeh, the former vice-president accused Tinubu of having no plans to strengthen the nation’s democracy.
”It therefore becomes pertinent to tell the Tinubu administration that last week’s gathering of political leaders across the country is aimed at fostering the ethos of democracy in Nigeria, making sure that elections in Nigeria are credible and that democracy is the vehicle for progress and social justice in the country,” he said.
Atiku explained that late in the evening of Sunday, February2, the Special Adviser on Public Communication and one of President Tinubu’s Spokespersons, Mr. Sunday Dare, posted two comments on his verified X handle.
According to him, ”The first post made a case for countries to tighten their belts on the heels of the announcement from President Trump’s administration to impose tariffs in line with his America First agenda, and the other post which came much later the same night tried to discredit the actions of political leaders in strengthening democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
”The second post is a lame attempt to impugn the credibility of political leaders, who seek a better direction for Nigeria, and, in so doing, Dare painted a picture of what is to be expected in how the Tinubu administration plans to take the next election in the country as ‘a combat and a fight’ or better still the deepening of their notorious ‘snatch and grab’ agenda.’
”We find it curious that the Tinubu government would react to these noble ideals as ‘Machiavellian inclinations’. If the Tinubu administration could describe opposition in a democracy in the language of the era of Dark Ages, we find such behaviour as unbecoming and a stark attack on the collective impression of our hard-won democracy and the fundamental human rights that it guarantees.’
”The other post by Dare speaks to the ‘Tariff War’ by which the Tinubu administration seeks to interpret President Trump’s America First approach to international trade.
”First of all, we condemn the careless remarks by the Spokesperson of President Tinubu on an issue that potentially affects Nigeria’s relations with the U.S. and other countries, including partner institutions in international trade.
”That aside, it is a contradiction in terms that the Tinubu administration, which came into power on the philosophy of self-right to rule, will mock Nigerians on matters of patriotism.
”We urge the Tinubu administration to practice what it preaches by embracing the Nigeria First ideals in replacement to the self-entitled and other primordial sentiments it panders to.
”Nigeria has gone through all kinds of class, ethnic and religious divisions since the advent of the Tinubu administration.
”This is the first government in the history of Nigeria that will put Nigerians on Band A or Band C on the cadre of access to social infrastructure.
”We, therefore, urge the Tinubu government to unite and heal the nation and desist from making careless remarks about other countries or the patriotism of the Nigerian people.”
Trump Says EU Tariffs Will Proceed, Calls UK ‘Out of Line’ but Open to a Deal
Donald Trump has confirmed that US tariffs on imports from the European Union “will definitely happen,” following similar measures imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China.
Speaking on trade relations, Trump did not rule out extending tariffs to UK goods, stating that the country is “out of line.” However, he indicated a willingness to resolve the matter, saying the situation “can be worked out” with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, whom he described as having “been very nice.”
The US is set to impose 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, alongside a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, starting Tuesday. Trump stated that he would speak with the leaders of Mexico and Canada on Monday ahead of the tariffs taking effect.
In response, Canada and Mexico are preparing to impose retaliatory tariffs, while China has announced plans to implement “corresponding countermeasures” and intends to file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization.
The impact of Trump’s tariff policies has already been felt in global markets. Asian markets, the first to open since his weekend announcements, have tumbled significantly, reflecting growing investor uncertainty.