Nigeria Not On Auto-Pilot Mode- Presidency Hits Back At Claims Of The APC

The federal government yesterday debunked claims by the All Progressive Congress (APC) Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande that the country is on auto pilot. It however flayed the former governor of Osun State for engaging in 'partisan blackmail ' over the abduction of female students at the Goverment Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

In a statement by Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati said, " 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.​ ​"

According to Abati, " 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 ​i​s 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."

Abati also reaffirmed the federal government commitment to the fight against terror, saying:

"This administration has continually showed courage and commitment in the face of whatever challenge​s​ 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."

The presidential spokesman further declared that President Goodluck Jonathan has provided quality leadership since his assumption of office in 2011.

"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."

Chief Bisi Akande had in a press conference yesterday lambasted the President Jonathan administration for its inability to curb insurgency, particularly, its handling of the abduction of Chibok girls by Boko Haram.