Atiku Slams Tinubu Administration Over Alleged NBS Website Hack
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu following the alleged hacking of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) website.
In a statement issued on Thursday through his Media Office, Atiku underscored the critical role of data integrity in national development and questioned the credibility of the administration in handling such incidents.
A Blow to Data Credibility
Describing the reported hack as “unprecedented,” Atiku stated:
“The claim that the NBS website has been hacked is an unpleasant development that adds to the bad tidings characterizing the Bola Tinubu administration.”
He linked the hack to a broader issue of credibility in governance, particularly as it followed the NBS’s recent release of the Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS). The survey painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s security landscape.
Atiku warned against using data manipulation or the guise of cyberattacks to undermine the authenticity of statistics essential for planning, research, and development. He expressed skepticism about the timing of the incident, noting that it coincided with the release of data critical of the current administration.
“We are in strange times, and it is hoped that this is not an underhanded attempt to undermine the integrity of national data for political purposes.”
Suspicious Timing and Concerns Over Data Fidelity
The former Vice President further suggested that the alleged hack could erode public trust in official statistics, potentially casting doubt on all subsequent data released by the NBS.
“We may be tempted to assume that every statistic released by the Bureau is an outcome of a hack.”
The hack occurred shortly after the CESPS report revealed shocking crime figures, including a staggering 614,937 murders within a year across Nigeria. The timing of the breach has fueled concerns about the administration’s response to unfavorable statistics.
NBS Response and Public Reaction
In a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the NBS confirmed the hack and urged Nigerians to disregard any messages or reports published on its website until the issue was resolved.
“This is to inform the public that the NBS website has been hacked, and we are working to recover it. Please disregard any message or report posted until the website is fully restored.”
The agency, however, did not provide a timeline for restoring the website’s functionality.
The breach comes just weeks after the NBS website underwent a major redesign, raising questions about the robustness of its cybersecurity infrastructure.
Broader Implications for Governance
This incident adds to the growing list of challenges facing the Tinubu administration, including an economic crisis, security concerns, and public mistrust. For Atiku, the alleged hack is emblematic of a deeper governance crisis, with critical national institutions appearing vulnerable to both internal and external pressures.
The former Vice President’s critique highlights the urgency of ensuring that key institutions like the NBS remain independent, credible, and protected from political interference or manipulation.
The Tinubu administration will now face increased scrutiny, not only over its ability to secure sensitive government platforms but also regarding the authenticity of data critical to public policy and trust.
Reference
Atiku Slams Tinubu Administration Over Alleged NBS Website Hack