The Presidency concluded by alleging that the asset sales overseen by Atiku Abubakar during his tenure had resulted in public enterprises becoming non-functional and stripped of value.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Presidency has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of harboring envy towards President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is more focused on undermining Tinubu than on resolving issues within his own party.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement criticizing Atiku’s conduct since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election. Onanuga argued that Atiku’s actions reflect jealousy of Tinubu’s presidency, which he claimed Atiku has unsuccessfully pursued six times.
“Since his defeat in the last election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has shown more interest in undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu than in addressing his party’s implosion. We suspect he is envious of Tinubu’s position—an office he has unsuccessfully sought six times,” Onanuga stated.
The statement was a response to Atiku’s recent claims that the 2023 election mandate was stolen. Onanuga contended that Tinubu’s victory was well-deserved and accused Atiku of being unqualified to run in the first place due to his disregard for the PDP’s zoning arrangement, which mandates a rotation of power between the North and South.
“Tinubu rightfully won the presidency, a position Atiku was simply unqualified for due to his arrogance, insensitivity to Nigeria’s diversity, and the decision to disregard his party’s power rotation arrangement between the North and the South after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari,” Onanuga added.
Criticism of Atiku’s Economic Proposals
The Presidency also dismissed Atiku’s economic critique of the Tinubu administration. Onanuga argued that Atiku’s economic proposals were both untested and rejected by voters during the 2023 election. He claimed that the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration were addressing Nigeria’s challenges far more effectively.
“If his plan lacked popular appeal, he must acknowledge that merely repackaging it will not resolve the social and economic challenges his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) bequeathed after 16 years in power,” Onanuga said.
He further criticized Atiku’s suggestion of implementing a consultation period upon taking office, labeling it as a demonstration of Atiku’s lack of preparedness to address urgent economic challenges. “The Nigerian economy requires immediate and decisive action. A leader must be prepared to tackle challenges from Day One, as President Tinubu has done,” he noted.
Defense of Fuel Subsidy Removal
Onanuga defended the administration’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, which he claimed will save an estimated N5.4 trillion in 2024. These funds, he said, are being redirected toward infrastructure and social intervention programs to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
“The estimated N5.4 trillion savings from subsidy removal in 2024 are being actively directed toward infrastructure development and social intervention programmes, initiatives that will benefit all tiers of government,” Onanuga stated.
He also highlighted the administration’s success in boosting revenue generation, noting that the Federal Inland Revenue Service nearly doubled its proceeds, even without factoring in oil sales. This increase, he claimed, has enabled many states to raise their minimum wage to between N70,000 and N85,000.
Privatization and Refinery Management Critique
Addressing Atiku’s proposal to privatize Nigeria’s refineries, Onanuga criticized the idea as unoriginal. He referenced the failed sale of refineries during Atiku’s tenure as vice president, where bids for key facilities were significantly undervalued. He cited late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua’s decision to reverse those sales, which he described as having been offered at “scrap value.”
Onanuga emphasized that the Tinubu administration’s approach, which involves rehabilitating refineries and then partnering with private sector managers, is more beneficial for the country. “The model of farming the completely rehabilitated refineries to private sector managers at an agreed-upon rate of return to the government is more practical and value-laden,” he said.
The Presidency concluded by alleging that the asset sales overseen by Atiku during his tenure had resulted in public enterprises becoming non-functional and stripped of value.
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