Following the critical response from the Presidency to his claims regarding economic policy effectiveness, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reiterated that Nigeria’s ongoing challenges stem from a lack of planning under President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement he signed on Monday, Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, alleged that Tinubu assumed power hastily and without a coherent strategy. “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 stated. “It is exciting to witness such a vigorous debate on these critical matters, and I sincerely hope that this discourse will ultimately benefit Nigeria and its citizens.”
He continued, “Like many fellow Nigerians, I firmly believe that we find ourselves in this current economic turmoil due to the Tinubu administration’s hasty ascent to power, devoid of a coherent plan. In stark contrast, my team not only devised a comprehensive Recovery Plan but also welcomed significant input from Nigerians, ensuring that our approach was inclusive and well-considered.”
Atiku also criticized the government’s reliance on prayer as a policy response. “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! What a bold strategy!” he remarked.
He emphasized the importance of action over inaction, stating, “Prayer indeed serves as a noble path to follow. However, the sacred texts also counsel us to engage in diligent labour and hard work.”
In a strong rebuttal, Atiku dismissed claims that his proposals remain untested, asserting, “What remains unproven is the erratic, trial-and-error nature of the policies so far implemented by this administration, which elucidates our present predicament.”
He further contrasted past economic performance with the current administration’s results: “Let us not forget that 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.”
Atiku highlighted previous GDP performance, noting, “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.”
He criticized the government’s taxation policies, questioning, “Why then are we fixated on inflicting further hardship upon an already struggling populace?” and referenced successful economic models from other nations, stating, “Numerous nations, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Monaco, have emerged as economic powerhouses by fostering growth through lower taxation.”
Atiku concluded with a pointed remark about the election results: “Let me emphasize that the citizens who cast their votes in the 2023 presidential election 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”
