In a scathing press statement released on Sunday November 10, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of prioritising personal vendettas over constructive political discourse. “Since his defeat in the last election, Atiku has shown more interest in undermining President Tinubu than in addressing his party’s implosion,” Onanuga stated, adding that Atiku’s envy of Tinubu’s position drives his criticisms.
Onanuga dismissed Atiku’s proposals as unrealistic and disconnected from Nigeria’s pressing economic realities. He emphasised that immediate action is essential for the economy, countering Atiku’s suggestion of a lengthy consultation period if he were president.
According to him, Atiku’s economic analysis demonstrates a significant misunderstanding of Nigeria’s realities. He added that Atiku’s narrative, “What We Would Have Done Differently,” indicates an inability to engage with the pressing economic realities being revitalised multidimensionally under President Tinubu’s leadership.
”It is perplexing that he would elevate his untested, hypothetical proposal, which Nigerians soundly rejected during the 2023 Presidential Election, and seek to present it as a superior alternative to the multi-faceted reform programmes implemented by the Tinubu administration. If his plan lacked popular appeal, he must acknowledge that merely repackaging it will not resolve the social and economic challenges his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) bequeathed after 16 years in power,” Onanuga remarked.
The statement highlighted the significant economic challenges inherited by the Tinubu administration, including unsustainable fuel subsidies and a mismanaged economy. The presidential spokesman pointed out that the estimated N5.4 trillion savings from subsidy removal are being redirected toward infrastructure and social programs, benefiting Nigerians across all tiers of government.
Critically addressing Atiku’s past governance record, Onanuga noted that privatization efforts during Atiku’s vice presidency led to significant failures. He urged Atiku to focus on the realities faced by the current administration rather than “conjuring imaginary scenarios.”
Onanuga called on Atiku to abandon what he termed “the politics of distraction” and engage in constructive dialogue, asserting that President Tinubu remains committed to leading Nigeria toward a prosperous future amidst ongoing challenges.
