Again, Atiku accuses Tinubu of economic mismanagement, claims 2023 election was ‘criminally stolen’
…Calls for end to ‘shambolic’ policies amidst rising economic hardship
…Tea-plan or T-pain: Former Vice President jabs at Tinubu’s strategies
…Advocates for lower taxation to spur economic growth
By Sodiq Adelakun
In a reprisal attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated his claims that the 2023 presidential election was “criminally stolen” from him, attributing Nigeria’s current economic woes to the Tinubu administration’s mismanagement.
Recall that Atiku had outlined several economic policies he would have implemented had he won the 2023 election, suggesting that the Tinubu administration could adopt some of these measures.
Speaking via his X, formerly Twitter, platform on Monday, Atiku expressed discontent with the government’s economic policies, describing them as “shambolic” and ineffective.
Responding to comments from Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who alleged that Atiku would have led the country into deeper problems had he won, the former Vice President emphasised the need for accountability.
He 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.”
Atiku argued that the current economic turmoil is a direct result of the Tinubu administration’s “hasty ascent to power, devoid of a coherent plan.”
He contrasted this with his own team’s comprehensive Recovery Plan, which he claims incorporates significant input from Nigerians. “Isn’t it 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!” he quipped, underscoring his frustration with the administration’s lack of substantive action.
The former Vice President stressed the importance of diligent work in overcoming economic challenges, saying, “In my humble interpretation of the scriptures, prayer indeed serves as a noble path to follow. However, the sacred texts also counsel us to engage in diligent labour and hard work.”
Addressing the criticism of his proposed policies as untested, Atiku retorted, “What remains unproven is the erratic, trial-and-error nature of the policies so far implemented by this administration.”
He questioned, “Why then are we fixated on inflicting further hardship upon an already struggling populace?”
He noted, “One can only speculate that Tinubu’s government is anchored to a mere Tea-plan, which can only lead to a T-pain.”
He pointed to Nigeria’s historical economic performance, noting that during his time in office from 1999 to 2003, the country achieved significant growth, with an average GDP rate of 6.59 percent and a peak of 15 percent in 2002. He lamented that the current administration has reduced Nigeria to a “disheartening fourth position” among African economies, with a mere 2.8 percent GDP growth rate.
Atiku further criticised the government’s reliance on increased taxation as a solution to economic issues, citing examples of successful nations that have fostered growth through lower taxation.
“We cannot hope to tax our way out of the economic quagmire wrought by these misguided experimental policies,” he said.
Atiku reiterated his belief that the outcome of the 2023 election was manipulated, declaring, “The citizens who cast their votes are well aware that I did not lose; rather, we find ourselves in this predicament because the election was criminally stolen from the Nigerian people.”
Onanuga had alleged that, had Atiku won, he would have led the country into deeper problems or engaged in cronyism.
