Atiku Abubakar has criticized the National Bureau of Statistics claim of a website hack, calling it suspicious and questioning its timing after a critical security report. He warned against politicizing data, emphasizing its importance for planning and transparency in governance.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed skepticism over the recent hacking of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) website, describing the incident as "suspicious." The NBS website went offline on Wednesday after displaying a "Page hacked" message, just a day after the agency released its Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey report. The report revealed that Nigerians paid a staggering N2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024.
In a statement released on Thursday, Abubakar highlighted the timing of the hack, suggesting it raises questions about the integrity of the government's handling of sensitive data. He criticized the alleged politicization of statistics, stating, "Subjecting data and statistics to political considerations undermines their value for planning, development, and research."
Abubakar also questioned whether the hack could be part of an effort to discredit the NBS following its damning security report. "The coincidence of this so-called hack coming shortly after the release of concerning statistics is alarming," he said.
The NBS has since urged the public to disregard any reports published on its website until it is restored. Meanwhile, the website remains inaccessible, fueling further speculation and public concern.
Abubakar’s remarks add to the growing debate on transparency and accountability under President Bola Tinubu's administration, emphasizing the critical role of data in governance and national development.
