Lagos, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — A senior aide to President Bola Tinubu has strongly rejected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent criticisms of the administration, calling them “unfair” and driven by “animosity” rather than objective analysis.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, issued the response Thursday, highlighting what he described as significant progress made by the government in its first two years.
“Unless former Vice President Atiku allowed personal grievances to cloud his judgment, he should, in good conscience, acknowledge the significant progress and positive achievements made by this administration over the past two years,” Onanuga said.
Onanuga defended key economic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange system, which previous administrations, including that of Obasanjo and Atiku, had pledged but failed to implement.
“These reforms have stabilized government finances, curbed systemic corruption, and enabled direct investments into social programmes and infrastructure,” he said.
The adviser also pointed to a surge in the Nigerian Exchange’s All-Share Index from 50,000 to over 110,000 since 2023, with market capitalization rising to N69.4 trillion from about N30 trillion.
Onanuga rejected Atiku’s claim that the government’s policies were “anti-people,” citing increased investments in social safety nets, a doubling of the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000, and the launch of a Student Loan Scheme benefiting over 600,000 students.
“Contrary to Atiku’s claim that education was out of reach for poor Nigerians, the government has made higher education more accessible to deserving youths,” Onanuga said.
The adviser also disputed allegations that the government was borrowing fresh funds to finance the 2025 budget, citing Finance Minister’s clarification that only $1.2 billion in new borrowing is planned this year.
On fiscal performance, Onanuga said the government had paid off a $3.4 billion IMF loan, reduced the debt service ratio to revenue from 93% to 60%, and ended decades of deficit financing.
“This government has admitted honestly that the reforms come with attendant challenges and has worked vigorously to lessen the pain,” he added.
Onanuga concluded by urging constructive criticism from opposition leaders and warned against partisan rhetoric.
“Nigerians deserve opposition leaders who offer solutions, not just criticism,” he said.
