Presidency Counters Atiku’s Criticism, Highlights Tinubu’s Two-Year Achievements

The Presidency has issued a robust response to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent critique of the Tinubu administration, asserting that only those “playing blind” would fail to recognize the government’s accomplishments over the past two years.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, characterized Atiku’s assessment as “unfair” and seemingly driven by personal animosity rather than objective analysis.

In a detailed rebuttal, Onanuga pointed to concrete economic indicators showing progress under the current administration, including easing inflation, rising food production, and returning investments.

“Unless 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…These gains are in plain sight for everyone. Only those who play blind will not see them,” Onanuga stated.

The presidential aide defended the administration’s bold reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange unification – policies he noted successive governments had acknowledged as necessary but failed to implement. Onanuga highlighted the Nigerian Exchange’s All-Share Index surge from 50,000 to over 110,000 and market capitalization growth from N30 trillion to N69.4 trillion as evidence of economic progress.

Addressing social interventions, Onanuga cited the Student Loan Scheme benefiting over 600,000 students and minimum wage increases from N30,000 to N70,000 as examples of pro-people policies. “Contrary to Atiku’s claim that government policies are ‘anti-people,’ the Tinubu administration has increased investments in social safety nets,” he emphasized.

The statement concluded by challenging Atiku to offer constructive alternatives rather than criticism, asserting that President Tinubu remains committed to democratic principles and open dialogue while continuing to implement reforms aimed at long-term economic stability and growth.