Presidency Rebukes Atiku Abubakar’s Criticism of Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
By Matthew Eloyi
In a formal response on Sunday evening, the Presidency addressed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic and reformative initiatives, stating that Abubakar’s actions are turning him into the opposition-in-chief.
Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, released a press statement titled “Atiku Abubakar And His New Hobby,” highlighting Abubakar’s alleged plans to sell the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to associates if he had won the 2023 presidential election.
The Presidency dismissed Abubakar’s opposition to President Tinubu’s policies as baseless and illogical, affirming the belief of Nigerians and the international community in President Tinubu’s capability to drive progress and prosperity.
The statement emphasized that Atiku Abubakar’s criticisms lacked substance and failed to provide alternative policy options during his presidential campaign, contrasting his stance on selling national assets with President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.
President Tinubu’s administration, according to the Presidency, has prioritized fiscal and monetary policies aimed at rejuvenating the economy, evidenced by the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s outstanding performance and ongoing fiscal and tax reforms to stimulate economic growth.
Despite Abubakar’s dissent, the Presidency reiterated its commitment to nation-building and economic development under President Tinubu’s leadership, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to improving the country’s economic landscape.
The statement concluded by asserting that while Abubakar and his allies may continue to criticize, they cannot impede the progress initiated by President Tinubu’s administration towards a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.