Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has dismissed recent criticisms of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration by former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the last election, Atiku Abubakar, describing them as driven by personal animosity rather than objective assessment.
Atiku had accused the Tinubu-led administration of failing Nigerians, being incompetent, inflicting hardship on Nigerians, and lacking accountability and transparency.
Responding to the PDP presidential flag bearer for the 2023 Presidential Elections, Onanuga, in a statement, noted that Atiku allowed his personal grievances to cloud his judgment.
“Atiku’s sweeping criticism is unfair and appears to be driven more by animosity than objective analysis,” said Onanuga.
“Unless former Vice President 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.”
Praising the Tinubu-led administration, Onanuga noted that reforms have stabilised government finances, curbed systemic corruption, and enabled direct investments into social programmes and infrastructure, adding that Atiku ought to have admitted and seen this unless he still lives in Dubai.
Onanuga added that Tinubu, during his campaign, did not promise Nigerians that his reforms would not cause hardship and has taken steps to mitigate the pains inflicted by his reforms.
“This government has admitted honestly that the reforms come with attendant challenges and has worked vigorously to lessen the pain,” he added.
The presidential spokesperson cited the increased minimum wage, student loan, and expansion of health insurance, among others, as some of the steps taken by Tinubu to provide succour for Nigerians.
Speaking further, Onanuga noted that Tinubu’s administration has made progress in his two years in office, but Atiku failed to admit this because he detests Tinubu’s guts.
He also advised Atiku to proffer solutions when criticising Tinubu’s administration in the future, adding that Nigerians deserve opposition leaders who offer solutions rather than focusing on criticisms.
“Finally, 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.”
