Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, has taken a jab at the presidency, claiming that it is concentrating on unimportant issues while Nigerians struggle with hunger, insecurity, and extreme economic hardship.

He called the federal government’s defence of photos of President Bola Tinubu’s lunches in Paris disrespectful in light of the country’s growing problems.

Following a recent “Stop Press” from the Presidency, Atiku’s response was contained in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

The former vice president questioned the statement’s immediacy, claiming that it showed a lack of concern for the nation’s urgent issues.

He said, “The Presidency’s latest ‘Stop Press’ is a textbook case of misplaced priorities and official shamelessness. That is not leadership. It is tone-deafness in power.”

Atiku emphasised that as insecurity spreads throughout multiple states, particularly Niger State, many Nigerians are finding it difficult to subsist.

He bemoaned the fact that towns are being attacked violently while families are unable to purchase necessities.

“While communities in Niger State and other parts of the country are under attack and families can no longer afford basic food, the Presidency is busy explaining camera phones, image quality, and photo editing,” he said.

The former vice president also downplayed the President’s robust response to allegations that the photos were altered or produced by artificial intelligence.

He maintained that a decline in public confidence in government was a logical outcome.

“On the claim of AI or forgery, the outrage is unconvincing. When credibility is eroded, doubt follows naturally. The real falsehood is not a photograph. It is the daily distortion of leadership priorities.”

Atiku called on the federal government to prioritise true administration over what he called public relations diversions.

“Nigeria is burning. The presidency is editing pictures. It is time for the Presidency to abandon public relations theatrics, return home, and confront the emergencies facing Nigerians – hunger, insecurity, and economic collapse – with urgency, humility, and action. That is the minimum Nigerians expect,” he said.

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