Atiku to Tinubu: Trade your Escalade for Innoson if you really believe in ‘Nigeria First’

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says the ‘Nigeria First’ policy of the Bola Tinubu administration is a public relations gimmick.

Abubakar’s position was conveyed in a press statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, his special assistant on public communication.

On May 5, the federal executive council (FEC) approved a ‘Nigeria First’ policy aimed at prioritising the use of locally made goods and services in all government procurements.

Abubakar said the mantra is “another tired PR stunt — designed to deceive, not deliver”.

“Nigerians have grown weary of hollow speeches. If this government is truly serious about local content and economic patriotism, it must start at the very top,” he said.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 challenged Tinubu to set the tone by replacing his Escalade car with a made-in-Nigeria vehicle.

“We challenge President Tinubu to stop the noise and trade in his beloved Escalade for an Innoson, Nord or any made-in-Nigeria car,” he said.

“That single act will do more to promote local industry than a thousand policy memos.”

Abubakar also asked cabinet members to walk the talk by buying Nigeria.

“Let’s see the ministers — those shameless Rolls Royce connoisseurs — sweat it out in Nigerian-made vehicles too. Or is ‘Nigeria First’ only for the masses?” he added.

‘DOUBLE STANDARD’

The politician also criticised the president’s preference for holidays abroad.

“And speaking of double standards, it’s time Mr President shelves his love affair with Paris and London,” the statement reads.

“If he’s serious about patriotism, his next vacation should be at Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls. Nigeria is beautiful — unless, of course, the president thinks otherwise.

“More importantly, the era of jetting off for medical tourism while preaching self-reliance must end.

“We demand that President Tinubu — champion of ‘Nigeria First’— conduct all future medical check-ups at LUTH, National Hospital Abuja, UCH Ibadan, or even the ₦41 billion Akwa Ibom world-class hospital built by the uncommon transformer, in Uyo.

“If these hospitals are good enough for ordinary Nigerians, they should be good enough for their commander-in-chief. Anything less is sheer hypocrisy.

“This government’s addiction to foreign luxuries while demanding sacrifice from suffering Nigerians is the height of insincerity. True leadership isn’t photo-ops or soundbites — it’s setting the tone by example.”

The statement added that Nigerians deserve “real commitment, not this never-ending charade”.

On Friday, Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno south, expressed support for the federal government’s decision to ban the importation of goods that can be produced locally.

The lawmaker described the move as a “bold initiative” that could boost the economy and empower local entrepreneurs.