Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been accused by the presidency of promoting his untested proposals as superior alternatives to the economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu. This assertion was made by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.
Onanuga emphasized that Atiku’s ideas had already been dismissed by the Nigerian populace during the 2023 elections, highlighting their lack of substantive detail. He argued that had Atiku won the election, Nigeria would likely face a more dire situation or become mired in cronyism.
“Abubakar’s electoral defeat was, in part, due to his promise to privatize the NNPC and other national assets for the benefit of his associates,” he stated. “Nigerians remember this, and they are unlikely to be reassured by Atiku’s past record, particularly during his tenure managing the economy under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2003.”
Onanuga further criticized Atiku’s oversight of a controversial privatization initiative, claiming that he and Obasanjo displayed a lack of confidence in the nation’s educational system while establishing their universities, thereby neglecting public institutions.
“Criticism is easy; it is simple to disparage a rival’s plans even in the face of undeniable evidence that the current economic reforms are yielding positive results despite temporary hardships,” he remarked. “Despite his attempts to mislead Nigerians once more, it is commendable that the former Vice President could not disavow the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, as they are essential actions.”
Onanuga contended that Atiku’s proposal for a gradual approach to reforms demonstrated a disconnect with the severe challenges faced by Tinubu’s administration. He pointed out that it is easy to create an attractive agenda without recognizing the complexities involved.
He reminded that Tinubu inherited a nation grappling with significant issues, including the draining of resources by fuel subsidies and criminal activities in the foreign exchange market. “No responsible leader would allow these economic challenges to continue without decisive intervention,” Onanuga asserted.
He acknowledged that while Atiku’s call for gradual reforms might seem appealing, Tinubu’s administration has been making necessary changes that should have been initiated long ago, during the time when the former vice president was in power.
Nevertheless, Onanuga stated that the presidency is open to Atiku’s calls for empathy and humane approaches to reforms, noting that this aligns with the administration’s priorities. “Tinubu has consistently highlighted the importance of compassion and safeguarding the most vulnerable populations. Our administration has focused on social safety nets and targeted support for those adversely affected by recent economic changes,” he concluded. (NAN)
