Tinubu Fires Back At Atiku: “I’m Fixing the Pension Mess You Left

According to Ireporter Online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the privatisation of public enterprises during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, claiming that his government is currently addressing unresolved pension obligations linked to the reforms.

Tinubu made the remarks at the State House in Abuja while hosting political, traditional and community leaders from the Northeast who visited to appreciate his decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

Although he did not mention Atiku by name, the President appeared to refer to one of his potential challengers who played a key role in the privatisation programme under the previous administration. He alleged that the process failed to adequately address the pension needs of workers affected by the changes.

Tinubu stated that his administration was now working to resolve outstanding pension issues, describing the effort as an attempt to correct problems inherited from previous policies.

He said, “I’m clearing the pensions now,” while insisting that he would continue focusing on governance rather than dwelling on past shortcomings.

The President also defended his administration’s economic policies, maintaining that difficult decisions taken so far had helped stabilise the Nigerian economy.

Tinubu said his commitment to democracy, consistency and economic reforms had positioned the country on a path towards recovery, adding that Nigerians primarily desire stability, improved welfare and economic progress.

He commended leaders from the Northeast for their support and urged them to continue promoting development in the region. He also highlighted the completion of infrastructure projects, including road networks requested by Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

Addressing security challenges, Tinubu stressed the importance of cooperation among federal and state governments in tackling terrorism and banditry, noting that unity remained essential to overcoming national challenges.

Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar has defended the privatisation programme carried out during the Obasanjo administration, arguing that the reforms were necessary to address longstanding problems within Nigeria’s public sector.

In a statement released by his media office, the former Vice President said the administration inherited a poorly funded pension system with huge liabilities and responded by introducing major reforms, including the Pension Reform Act of 2004.

Atiku maintained that the reforms created the Contributory Pension Scheme and established the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to regulate the sector, replacing an outdated system plagued by underfunding, delays and unpaid obligations.

He argued that the measures taken during the period helped strengthen Nigeria’s pension structure and prevented the accumulation of further unfunded liabilities.