Presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati has responded to remarks from APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande who said in an interview over the weekend that the country was on auto-pilot.
Abati in his response said Akande was lying about the President’s performance and mouthing meaningless phrases.
According to Abati, “The issue of national security should go beyond partisan politics. This is a very serious moment requiring seriousness. But to reduce all of that to partisan politics is in bad taste , it is irresponsible one-upmanship. ”
“Nigeria is not on auto pilot. There is a government in place, there is a President who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He is doing his very best to provide quality leadership and to reassure Nigerians that government stands ready always to defend their best interest.”
“We are on top of the situation’ that Chief Akande referred to is an English idiom and indeed, the government is on top of the situation. Government’s primary responsibility is to ensure that when issues come up, it stands firm to do its very best to protect the people.”
“This administration has continually showed courage and commitment in the face of whatever challenges that may arise. To give the impression that the President is doing nothing is dishonest. This government is not mouthing meaningless phrases, this government is not engaging in blame game. This government has a job to do and it is doing the job.”
“They cannot say that government is on auto pilot in the face of all the achievements of this administration in the rail sector, health, aviation, foreign relations, transportation, trade and investment and in every sector.
“If Chief Akande wants to be honest with himself, he will say the truth and the truth will be that this country has been moved forward by President Jonathan, that we are not at the level we were at the time President Jonathan assumed office in 2011. So to say the country is on auto pilot is unpatriotic because it is a lie.”