The Presidency and Atiku Abubakar engage in a dispute over the economic policies of Tinubu.

 

In a recent exchange, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar attributed Nigeria's economic challenges to the "poor policies" of President Bola Tinubu. However, the Presidency responded, accusing Atiku of hypocrisy and failing to propose better policy alternatives. Atiku criticized Tinubu's economic policies, stating that they are causing pain, despair, and a shrinking private sector. He also questioned the effectiveness of Tinubu's budget and characterized his initiatives as uninformed and chaotic.

On the other hand, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Atiku's criticism, claiming it reflects a mission as a poor opposition figure. Onanuga defended Tinubu's reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy and harmonization of exchange rates, emphasizing their long-term benefits. He countered Atiku's claims about a shrinking private sector and multinational companies leaving, stating they are not grounded in facts.

The Presidency highlighted Tinubu's acknowledgment that the reforms would cause immediate pain but insisted they are essential for future prosperity. Onanuga urged Atiku to be honest about the inherited weak economy and commended President Tinubu's focus on solving economic and security challenges through fiscal and tax policy reforms. Despite Atiku's criticism, the Presidency emphasized its commitment to nation-building and economic recovery initiated by President Tinubu.