“Ask Atiku Where He Got the Money to Build His University” – Tinubu Challenges Former Vice President

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to explain how he financed the establishment of his university while serving in government, accusing him of using public resources to pursue private interests.

Tinubu made the allegation during an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he appealed to residents to support his bid for a second term in office.

Responding to criticism from opposition politicians over the rising cost of living and economic hardship, the president argued that some of those blaming his administration had contributed to the challenges facing the country.

He specifically mentioned Atiku, challenging him to explain how he established his university while serving as vice president and overseeing aspects of the nation’s economy.

In his words:

“Those people, talking of hunger, are clearly the mess they created. Atiku was one of them.

“Ask him how he built the university, while he was in office as vice president in charge of our economy. Who built the university for you? It’s your money. It’s your effort.”

Tinubu also defended his administration’s economic policies, claiming that 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states were unable to pay workers’ salaries when he assumed office. He maintained that his government had made progress in addressing the situation.

The president also used the occasion to appreciate Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his role in restoring peace following the political crisis that threatened the stability of the state government.

Tinubu praised Fubara for respecting the outcome of the intervention and maintaining peace in the state.

“When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed democrat. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done,” the president said.

Recalling the support he received from Rivers residents during the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the state for standing by him and appealed for their backing in his re-election bid.

He said:

“Rivers State, you have been good to me. In 2023, when I looked very helpless, you stood out to support me. Today again, I return here to say thank you. And seek your support for the second term.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima also appealed to Rivers voters to support the APC ticket for another term. He accused opposition politicians of attempting to discredit Tinubu for political reasons and criticised Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate.

Shettima mocked Obi’s political activities, saying he had been “diligently philosophizing himself into political relevance.”

In his remarks, Governor Fubara thanked Tinubu for intervening in the political crisis that affected Rivers State, crediting the president with helping to restore peace and allowing his administration to continue governing.

Fubara described Tinubu’s intervention as a major contribution to the state's stability and pledged the support of Rivers residents for the president’s re-election campaign.

He said:

“Today, by the mercy of God Almighty and your fatherly intervention, Rivers State is peaceful. Let me, on behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, say thank you.

“Rivers will give you three million votes. We will stand by you. We will work for you. We will deliver for you.”

The rally featured campaign appeals from Tinubu and Shettima, criticism of opposition figures and expressions of support from Governor Fubara. Tinubu’s allegation concerning the funding of Atiku’s university was presented during his speech, but no supporting financial evidence was included in the account provided.