••Former VP Demands Action, Not Rhetoric, From President on Local Industry Promotion
In a bold challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s recently announced “Nigeria First” economic policy, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for concrete action, demanding the President replace his Cadillac Escalade with a locally manufactured vehicle, such as an Innoson or Nord.
Atiku, through his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, issued a statement on Wednesday, arguing that such a gesture would significantly boost local industry, far more effectively than any policy document. This follows the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the “Nigeria First” policy, aimed at prioritizing locally produced goods and services in government procurement.
“The Tinubu administration’s latest Nigeria First mantra, paraded through the Federal Executive Council, is nothing but another tired PR stunt—designed to deceive, not deliver,” Atiku stated. “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.”
Atiku challenged President Tinubu to “stop the noise and trade in his beloved Escalade for an Innoson, Nord or any made-in-Nigeria car,” emphasizing that this single act would be more impactful than any policy memorandum. He further extended the challenge to the President’s ministers, questioning their commitment to local industry while indulging in foreign luxury vehicles.
“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?” Atiku questioned.
The former Vice President also addressed the issue of medical tourism, calling for President Tinubu to set an example by utilizing Nigerian healthcare facilities for all future medical check-ups. He specifically mentioned reputable Nigerian hospitals, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the National Hospital Abuja, and the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan.
“The era of jetting off for medical tourism while preaching self-reliance must end,” Atiku asserted. “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 Naira Akwa Ibom world-class hospital built by an 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.”
Atiku further criticized the President’s preference for international travel, suggesting domestic tourist destinations as alternatives. “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,” he stated.
Atiku concluded by emphasizing the need for genuine dedication to the “Nigeria First” policy, rather than mere rhetoric. “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,” he said.
