PRESIDENT TINUBU CALLS ON ATIKU TO END “GRAND ILLUSIONS” AND JOIN NATION-BUILDING EFFORTS
By Usman A. Harande
November 10, 2024
Abuja, Nigeria—
The State House issued a strongly-worded statement today addressing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urging him to cease his “grand illusions” regarding Nigeria’s leadership and economic direction. Since his loss in the 2023 Presidential Election, the statement claims, Atiku has focused on critiquing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration rather than addressing challenges within his own party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Onanuga, in his capacity as Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, noted that Atiku’s recurrent criticisms lack a substantive basis. “Atiku’s hypotheticals and untested proposals were decisively rejected by Nigerians. His assumptions on economic reforms reflect a disconnect from the pressing realities of our time,” Onanuga stated.
✓Economic Reality Check”:Tinubu Administration Defends Reforms
The Tinubu administration has spearheaded transformative reforms since taking office, confronting Nigeria’s deep-rooted economic issues with what Onanuga describes as “immediate, decisive action.” By contrast, the statement critiques Atiku’s approach, labeling his economic suggestions as “outdated” and ill-suited to Nigeria’s urgent needs.
The reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, have led to significant savings—an estimated N5.4 trillion in 2024—now being directed toward infrastructure projects and social intervention programs. “The fuel subsidy, a major enabler of corruption within the state-owned NNPC, has been effectively removed, freeing funds for impactful national projects,” the statement read. The government has also achieved near-doubling of non-oil revenue within the first half of 2024, benefiting states and councils as many have raised the minimum wage to N70,000-85,000.
✓Privatization Debate: Atiku’s Proposals Dismissed as Flawed
Atiku’s proposal to privatize Nigeria’s four government-owned refineries was criticized as lacking originality. Drawing from past examples, the statement highlighted the ineffective sale of public assets under Atiku’s tenure as vice president, asserting that many assets sold have become “dead assets” due to insufficient private sector capabilities.
“President Tinubu’s approach, prioritizing national interests, includes working with the private sector while retaining government oversight of critical assets. This ensures greater value and stabilizes prices for Nigerians,” Onanuga said.
✓A Call for Constructive Discourse
The statement further urged Atiku to abandon his “petty, divisive politics” and focus on more constructive contributions. “President Tinubu remains steadfast in leading Nigeria toward a prosperous future. It’s time for Atiku to reassess his approach and offer genuine contributions to national development,” the statement concluded.
As Nigeria navigates its socio-economic challenges, the Tinubu administration’s policies, ranging from fuel subsidy removal to foreign exchange stabilization, are designed to address systemic issues that have long impeded national growth. The statement’s message to Atiku is clear: the time for distractions is over; Nigeria demands forward-thinking, tangible solutions.
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