Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again taken a strong stance against President Bola Tinubu and his administration, articulating that Nigerians are growing increasingly frustrated with what he describes as Tinubu’s trial-and-error economic policies and overall approach to governance. He emphasized that these policies have contributed significantly to the challenges currently facing the country, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the populace.
In a recent statement, Atiku urged President Bola Tinubu and his administration to openly acknowledge their shortcomings. He highlighted the necessity for humility and a shift away from relying solely on increased taxation as a means to extract Nigerians from the ongoing economic crisis. This call for introspection comes amid rising discontent among citizens who feel the brunt of the current economic hardships.
Atiku made these remarks in a statement he signed in Abuja on Monday, responding to a previous assertion made by the Presidency. The statement suggested that an Atiku-led administration could not have possibly plunged Nigeria into a deeper economic crisis than the one currently being experienced under Tinubu’s leadership.
In his response, Atiku stated, “I have taken note of the initial responses highlighting the striking disparity between President Tinubu’s faltering economic policies and the alternatives I have proposed. It is encouraging to see such a vigorous debate on these critical matters, and I sincerely hope that this discourse will ultimately benefit Nigeria and its citizens.” He emphasized that the ongoing discussions are vital for the country's progress and development.
Atiku continued by expressing his belief that the current economic turmoil faced by Nigeria is largely the result of the Tinubu administration’s hasty ascent to power, which he claims has been devoid of a coherent plan for governance and economic stability. He contrasted this with his own approach, stating that his team had devised a comprehensive Recovery Plan that included significant input from Nigerians, making their strategy inclusive and well-thought-out.
“It is indeed fascinating how the so-called 'tested' Tinubu administration’s only policy response seems to be a national prayer led by the First Lady and the NSA, just a mere 24 hours after I proposed my alternative solutions! What a bold strategy!” Atiku remarked. He acknowledged the importance of prayer but stressed that, according to sacred texts, diligence and hard work are equally essential in overcoming challenges.
Atiku argued that it is unreasonable for Tinubu’s administration to assert that his proposals remain untested. Instead, he pointed out that what remains unproven is the erratic, trial-and-error nature of the policies implemented by the current administration, which he believes has led to Nigeria’s current predicament.
He also recalled the achievements of the Obasanjo administration, in which he served as Vice President, highlighting that Nigeria experienced significant economic growth during that period. “Under our economic stewardship between 1999-2003, Nigeria soared to the pinnacle of Africa’s economies, while their administration has relegated us to a disheartening fourth position. The average GDP rate under the Obasanjo administration that I served in was 6.59% and peaked at 15% in 2002; 7.98% under the late Yar’Adua administration and 4.8% under Jonathan, compared to the dismal 2.8% of the so-called 'tested' Tinubu era. Enough of the pains of the shambolic 'bolekaja' economic policy prescriptions!”
Atiku emphasized that the path to economic recovery does not lie in further taxing an already struggling populace. He pointed to several successful nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Monaco, which have fostered economic growth through lower taxation. “Why then are we fixated on inflicting further hardship upon an already struggling populace?” he questioned, expressing concern over the government's approach to economic recovery.
He speculated that the Tinubu administration might be anchored to a mere Tea-plan, which could only lead to a T-pain. Atiku's statement implies that without a robust and well-planned strategy, the country risks further economic decline and instability.
Finally, Atiku made it clear that the citizens who cast their votes in the 2023 presidential election are fully aware that he did not lose; rather, he insists that Nigeria finds itself in its current predicament because the election was criminally stolen from the Nigerian people. He urged the administration to recognize the voices of the citizens and work towards genuine solutions to the pressing challenges facing the nation.