The presidency has fired back at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following his sharp criticism of the Bola Tinubu-led administration, declaring that only those who “choose to be blind” would fail to recognize the administration’s achievements over the past two years.
Atiku, in a statement marking the second anniversary of the administration, accused the government of deepening poverty and engaging in “wasteful public spending”.
“Policy after policy under this administration has targeted the poor while providing relief and advantage to the rich,” Atiku said.
“From healthcare to education to identity management and basic public services, Nigerians are now faced with class-based systems where the wealthy enjoy VIP treatment, and the rest are left behind.”
In a swift rebuttal, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed the former vice president’s claims as partisan rhetoric. He argued that Atiku should recognize the economic and institutional reforms of the Tinubu administration—unless he still “lives in Dubai”.
“We have made progress. Inflation is easing, food production is rising, investments are returning, and the foundation for a more prosperous, just, and inclusive Nigeria is being laid. These gains are in plain sight for everyone. Only those who play blind will not see them,” Onanuga stated.
He emphasized that Tinubu had never promised painless reforms during the campaign, but that those reforms were essential for the country’s fiscal survival.
“During the campaign, Tinubu never promised that the reforms would be painless. But he was clear they were necessary to rescue the country from the brink of fiscal collapse, to reverse years of unsustainable spending and to lay a solid foundation for long-term inclusive growth.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange system were steps successive administrations, including that of Obasanjo-Atiku Abubakar, acknowledged as necessary but failed to implement.
“Atiku promised the reforms in his manifesto. Indeed, all three major candidates in the election agreed they must be done, except that the responsibility to implement the reforms fell on President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 election.
“Unlike Atiku and some critics, everyone agrees that the reforms have stabilised government finances, curbed systemic corruption, and enabled direct investments into social programmes and infrastructure.”
Responding to Atiku’s assertion that Tinubu’s policies are “anti-people”, Onanuga pointed to the administration’s efforts to support vulnerable groups.
“The Tinubu administration, fully acknowledging that its policies affect the vulnerable, has increased investments in social safety nets, introduced targeted interventions for low-income households, and more than doubled the minimum wage, from N30k to N70k.
“Some states even pay up to N85k to their workers, a feat made possible by increased federal allocations.”
On education, Onanuga dismissed Atiku’s claims as inaccurate and politically motivated.
“Since last year, the government has introduced the Student Loan Scheme to ensure that underprivileged children are not denied education because of poverty. As of the last count, over 600,000 Nigerian students have benefitted from the loans.
“The loans cover the students’ school fees and living allowances. The loans do not yet cover Nigerians in expensive schools like Atiku’s American University in Yola. What is undeniable is that under Bola Tinubu, higher education is now more accessible to deserving youths.”
Addressing the ongoing hardship brought on by reforms, Onanuga maintained that the government is not in denial and is working diligently to reduce the burden on citizens.
“This government has admitted honestly that the reforms come with attendant challenges and has worked vigorously to lessen the pain.”
Onanuga also addressed Atiku’s coalition-building efforts, saying they posed no threat to the administration.
“Criticism must be elevated and constructive. When Atiku opposes government policies, he should also offer a solution.
“Otherwise, his opposition statements will be dismissed as mere partisan rhetoric and cheap talk. Nigerians deserve opposition leaders who offer solutions, not just criticism.”
