In a recent exchange of critiques, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigerian presidency have clashed over the state of the nation’s economy. Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, has publicly challenged President Bola Tinubu’s approach to governance, urging him to adopt elements from his own economic manifesto to revitalize Nigeria’s struggling economy.
Atiku emphasized that the current economic challenges should not distract from the pressing need for President Tinubu to take decisive action. “The focus should be on him, not on me,” Atiku stated, advocating for the adoption of effective policies to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians.
In a lengthy statement, Atiku detailed his perspectives on crucial issues, including the controversial removal of fuel subsidies. He noted that he has long supported subsidy reforms, criticizing the opaque management of these subsidies which he claims benefit a select few at the expense of the broader population.
“We need to tackle corruption head-on,” Atiku said, suggesting a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to enhance transparency and efficiency. He argued that reforms should also focus on the nation’s underperforming refining infrastructure, aiming to ensure that Nigeria can refine and export a substantial portion of its crude oil.
Atiku proposed a gradual approach to subsidy removal, akin to successful reforms in other countries, emphasizing the need for social safety nets to protect the most vulnerable during economic transitions. He reiterated his commitment to infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and strategic economic planning to build a more resilient Nigeria.
In stark contrast, the presidency responded with a robust defense of its policies, arguing that had Atiku been elected, Nigeria would have faced even greater challenges. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, claimed that Atiku’s lack of actionable details and his history of questionable privatization during his vice presidency disqualified him from critiquing the current administration.
“The former Vice President’s proposals lack the necessary depth and insight required to address the nation’s complex issues,” Onanuga stated. He underscored the urgency of the Tinubu administration’s reforms, which aim to rectify long-standing economic disorders, such as fuel subsidy mismanagement and inefficiencies in the foreign exchange market.
As the debate unfolds, both leaders are highlighting starkly different visions for Nigeria’s economic future, leaving citizens to weigh their options as the country grapples with pressing economic realities.