President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intensified political attacks on African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, accusing the former vice president of privatising government assets and leaving pensioners unpaid while serving in government.
Speaking during a meeting with Northeast stakeholders, Tinubu criticised Atiku’s record in office, questioning his credibility to seek the presidency again.
The exchange comes as Atiku accused the Presidency of focusing on personal attacks instead of addressing pressing national issues. Responding to criticism over his lobbying activities in the United States, the former vice president said demanding transparency and accountability from government was a democratic responsibility and should not be portrayed as an attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz alleged that Nigeria’s reported $9 million lobbying campaign was aimed at diverting attention from concerns over insecurity and violence against Christians. His comments followed the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote to withhold all U.S. assistance to Nigeria pending further review.
At the National Assembly, Senator Adams Oshiomhole drew laughter after playfully teasing Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a viral video involving a private jet. The light-hearted exchange quickly gained attention on social media.
Another viral video has also generated controversy after showing a luxurious mansion resembling the White House. The property was initially linked to Senate President Akpabio before subsequent reports alleged it belongs to Senator Kenneth Emeka Eze. The development has reignited public debate over the wealth of public officials, with many Nigerians calling for greater transparency and accountability.
In the aviation sector, an Enugu Air aircraft carrying 63 passengers and five crew members overshot the runway while landing at Benin Airport and came to a stop in a nearby bush. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced an investigation into the incident, which has renewed concerns over aviation safety and runway conditions across the country.