Presidency Defends Economic Reforms, Slams Atiku’s Criticism
The Presidency has fired back at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, labeling his claims as baseless and lacking factual evidence ¹. Atiku had berated Tinubu’s economic policies, stating they’ve caused more hardship for Nigerians.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, countered that Atiku’s accusations were unfounded and that the former Vice President was merely playing the role of “opposition-in-chief” ¹. Onanuga highlighted that Atiku’s criticism of Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies and harmonization of exchange rates was hypocritical, given that Atiku himself had agreed these measures were necessary during his presidential campaign.
The Presidency emphasized that Tinubu’s economic reforms, although painful in the short term, would yield long-term prosperity Onanuga pointed out that reputable international agencies have commended Tinubu’s policy trajectory, citing its realism and sustainability.
In regards to Atiku’s supervision of the privatization program during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, critics argue that it was questionable and demonstrated a lack of faith in Nigeria’s educational system ². Both Obasanjo and Atiku established their own universities while allowing public institutions to struggle.
The Presidency concluded that Atiku’s advocacy for gradual reforms showed his disconnect from the severity of Nigeria’s economic challenges ¹. In contrast, Tinubu’s administration has taken decisive action to address these issues, including ending fuel subsidies and forex market arbitrage.
Key Points:
– Economic Reforms: President Tinubu’s policies aim to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, despite short-term difficulties.
– Fuel Subsidies: Removal of subsidies to redirect resources to critical areas.
– Forex Market: Harmonization of exchange rates to curb arbitrage.
– Atiku’s Criticism: Labeled as baseless and hypocritical.
– Presidency’s Response: Emphasis on long-term prosperity and international commendation.
