President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies. The statement, issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasized that Nigerians had already rejected Atiku’s ideas during the 2023 election due to their perceived lack of detail and clarity. Onanuga stated that if Atiku Abubakar had won, his economic approach could have worsened Nigeria’s challenges or led to cronyism.
The presidency’s response underlines Atiku Abubakar’s loss as evidence that Nigerians do not support his proposed economic policies. The statement also highlights a trust deficit, with Onanuga arguing that Nigerians remain skeptical of Atiku’s track record, particularly his stance on privatizing national assets like the NNPC, which was a controversial element of his campaign.
Criticism of Atiku’s Economic Policies and Leadership Record
The presidency took a firm stance against Atiku’s economic proposals, recalling his tenure as Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2003. Onanuga’s statement criticized Atiku’s role in overseeing a privatization program alleged to be “questionable” and underscored past instances that, according to the presidency, demonstrated Atiku’s lack of faith in Nigeria’s public education system. Onanuga noted that both Atiku and his former boss established their own private universities while Nigerian public institutions faced significant challenges.
The presidency’s statement appears aimed at highlighting perceived inconsistencies between Atiku’s actions and his current stance on public welfare. The government asserts that Atiku’s proposed policies, particularly regarding privatization, would not have favored the average Nigerian, suggesting that his track record does not align with his current calls for empathetic and people-centered reforms.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration Defends Economic Reforms Amid Public Debate
Onanuga defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, stressing that they are already yielding positive results despite initial hardships for citizens. The statement pointed to “irrefutable indices” showing progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which it claims Atiku failed to address in his critique. According to the presidency, these reforms are necessary to tackle the numerous challenges inherited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he assumed office.
This defense of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies comes amid public debates on the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms. By emphasizing the necessity of these reforms, the presidency argues that Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approach, though painful in the short term, is essential for the country’s long-term stability and prosperity.
Atiku’s Gradualist Approach Criticized as Out of Touch with Nigeria’s Urgent Needs
The presidency challenged Atiku’s call for a “gradualist approach” to economic reforms, suggesting that such a strategy would be inadequate to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges. Onanuga’s statement argued that gradual reforms fail to acknowledge the full scale of the economic issues President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited, such as the costly fuel subsidies and foreign exchange market distortions, which he claims could no longer be ignored.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration claims that his bold approach is necessary, implying that previous administrations, including those in which Atiku served, failed to take action on these issues. The presidency’s response casts doubt on Atiku’s understanding of the current economic realities, suggesting that gradual reforms would have allowed these issues to persist, further burdening Nigeria’s economy.
Presidency Emphasizes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Focus on Compassionate Reforms
In response to Atiku’s call for “empathy” in implementing reforms, Onanuga reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is prioritizing support for vulnerable populations. The presidency’s statement notes that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently emphasized the need for compassionate measures, especially for those most affected by recent economic changes. According to Onanuga, targeted social safety nets are a key element of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic plan.
This emphasis on compassionate reforms aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stated commitment to mitigating the impact of policy changes on ordinary Nigerians. By highlighting social safety nets, the presidency seeks to portray President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies as both necessary and humane, contrasting with Atiku’s perceived lack of specificity in addressing the challenges of the average Nigerian.
Government Calls on Nigerians to Reject “Cheap Rhetoric” from Election Losers
The presidency concluded its response by advising Nigerians to be wary of rhetoric from “election losers” who seek to discredit the government’s efforts. Onanuga criticized Atiku’s statements as “cheap talk,” suggesting that it is easy to criticize without offering viable solutions. He urged Nigerians to recognize the administration’s commitment to substantive, long-term solutions rather than what he described as a “flowery to-do list” from political opponents.
By portraying Atiku’s critique as part of a broader trend of political posturing, the presidency aims to strengthen public trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms. This final remark reflects the administration’s focus on establishing a narrative of resilience and action, contrasting with the perceived inaction and platitudes of opposition figures.
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