The Arewa Professionals for Democracy and Development (APDD) has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his comments on President Bola Tinubu’s $2.2 billion foreign loan request.
Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had expressed concerns about potential mismanagement and embezzlement of the funds.
However, the APDD accused him of making baseless assumptions and undermining the strategic purpose of the loan.
Speaking on the issue, APDD President Engr. Moses Odaudu dismissed Atiku’s critique as “the last gasp of a failed politician.”
He argued that foreign loans, if properly invested in critical infrastructure, are essential tools for economic development. Odaudu also refuted Atiku’s claims about unfavorable loan terms and exchange rate issues, calling them misleading.
The APDD expressed disappointment with Atiku’s remarks, describing them as “childish outbursts” that fail to consider the complexities of international finance. The group maintained that while public scrutiny of government borrowing is necessary, Atiku’s approach lacked constructive insight and a clear understanding of economic strategy.
Furthermore, Odaudu highlighted ongoing reforms in revenue generation by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Nigeria Customs Service as evidence of the government’s commitment to transparency and financial accountability. He urged Atiku to focus on facts rather than resorting to what he described as unsubstantiated accusations.
The National Assembly recently approved the loan request, sparking mixed reactions across the country. Despite criticism from some quarters, the government insists that the funds will be used to drive economic recovery and development initiatives.
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