The Nigerian presidency has officially dismissed the recent criticisms made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that it will not engage in further responses to his remarks.
Atiku, who has frequently criticized the president, had previously advised President Tinubu to focus on governance rather than directing attacks at political adversaries.
In his statement, which was issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused the president of being “incompetent” and “unprepared,” pointing to the handling of the compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative as a key example of poor governance and planning.
In response, the presidency, through Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, emphasized that the government’s priority is to focus on providing relief to Nigerians and ensuring the successful implementation of vital reforms. According to Dare, the current administration’s focus is on the delivery of essential services and reforms that will benefit the citizens of the country.
“We have a country to govern, and we are finished with Atiku. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected by Nigerians to lead this nation, and that is the priority right now. Our focus is on bringing relief to our people, ensuring the continuity of ongoing reforms, and making real progress for the country,” Dare stated.
This declaration from the presidency follows significant economic changes introduced by President Tinubu. Shortly after taking office on May 29, 2023, he announced the removal of the petrol subsidy, which led to a dramatic rise in fuel prices. The cost per litre of petrol soared from about N184 to more than N1,000, placing additional financial strain on ordinary Nigerians.
Additionally, the administration’s decision to unify the foreign exchange markets led to a sharp depreciation of the Naira, with the value of the local currency plummeting from approximately N700 per US dollar to more than N1,600 on the parallel market. These economic adjustments contributed to a surge in the prices of food and basic goods, exacerbating the challenges posed by inflation for many Nigerians.
Despite these challenges, the presidency has made it clear that its focus remains on navigating these economic hurdles and driving the country’s progress forward, rather than engaging in political back-and-forth with critics.
