The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns over the politicisation of data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). In a statement issued by his media office on Thursday, Atiku Abubakar emphasised that accurate data and statistics are indispensable tools for national development.
Atiku Abubakar’s warning follows the NBS’s disclosure of a staggering N2.23 trillion paid as ransom by Nigerian households impacted by kidnapping between May 2023 and April 2024. The data underscores the alarming rise in criminal activities and highlights the need for evidence-based policy responses. Atiku Abubakar cautioned that compromising the integrity of such data for political purposes could hinder effective governance and development planning.
NBS Crime Survey Sparks Concerns
The NBS’s recently published Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey revealed that an estimated 51.89 million crime incidents occurred across Nigerian households during the reference period. The report has drawn widespread attention, not only for its alarming statistics but also for its implications on national security.
Shortly after the publication of these figures, the NBS reported that its newly redesigned official website had been hacked. This development has raised suspicions among stakeholders, including Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the timing of the incident. He described the hack as suspicious and a potential attempt to undermine the credibility of the data.
Atiku Abubakar Links Website Hack to Credibility Crisis
Atiku Abubakar linked the alleged hacking of the NBS website to the credibility challenges facing the Bola Tinubu administration. In his statement, he described the situation as indicative of the current administration’s inability to uphold transparency and accountability in critical areas of governance.
“The unprecedented claim that the website of the National Bureau of Statistics has been hacked is an unpleasant development that adds up to the bad tidings that have characterised the President Bola Tinubu administration,” Atiku stated. He further expressed concerns that this hack, coming shortly after the release of damning security statistics, could be part of a deliberate effort to discredit the NBS’s findings.
Impact of Politicized Data on National Development
Atiku warned that manipulating or discrediting statistical data for political purposes could have disastrous consequences for Nigeria’s developmental agenda. “Subjecting data and statistics such as those released by the NBS to political considerations is counterproductive,” he said, stressing the importance of safeguarding the integrity of official statistics.
He argued that data from the NBS serves as a foundation for policymaking, development planning, and academic research. Undermining its credibility, he contended, could lead to misguided policies and a lack of trust in public institutions. Atiku urged the government to prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that data collection and reporting remain free from political interference.
Call for Investigation and Restoring Public Trust
Atiku’s statement called for a thorough investigation into the alleged hack of the NBS website to determine whether it was an isolated incident or part of a broader attempt to manipulate data. He expressed hope that the government would take swift action to address public concerns and reaffirm the bureau’s independence.
“The coincidence of this so-called hack, coming only shortly after the release of damning stats on security, is suspicious,” Atiku stated. He further called on Nigerians to demand accountability and transparency in governance, emphasizing that accurate data is essential for addressing the nation’s security challenges effectively.
Call for Investigation and Restoring Public Trust
Atiku’s statement called for a thorough investigation into the alleged hack of the NBS website to determine whether it was an isolated incident or part of a broader attempt to manipulate data. He expressed hope that the government would take swift action to address public concerns and reaffirm the bureau’s independence.
“The coincidence of this so-called hack, coming only shortly after the release of damning stats on security, is suspicious,” Atiku stated. He further called on Nigerians to demand accountability and transparency in governance, emphasizing that accurate data is essential for addressing the nation’s security challenges effectively.
By advocating for integrity in data reporting, Atiku has highlighted a critical aspect of governance, urging all stakeholders to prioritize national interest over partisan politics in addressing Nigeria’s security crisis
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