- Nigerians Feel Positive Change, Not Hunger – Presidency to Atiku
- The Presidency described Atiku’s remarks as “cheap talk”
- Onanuga revealed that foreign reserves have grown to nearly $42 billion
The Presidency has dismissed comments credited to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alleging that Nigeria is being ravaged by hunger, likening the situation to the unrest in France before the 1789 revolution.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement issued late Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described Atiku’s remarks as “cheap talk,” insisting that the country is witnessing positive progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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“The claim that hunger is ravaging Nigeria, and the comparison with the French and Russian revolutions, is grossly misleading. Atiku and his handlers are clearly out of touch with the reality of developments in the country,” the statement read.
Onanuga cited fresh data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), noting that headline inflation has declined for the fifth consecutive month, while Nigeria recorded a trade surplus, with non-oil exports contributing almost equally to trade earnings as crude oil.
He also revealed that foreign reserves have grown to nearly $42 billion, compared to $32 billion when Tinubu assumed office, after clearing over $7 billion in arrears, including $800 million owed to international airlines.
According to him, revenues at both federal and state levels have improved significantly, enabling states to pay salaries, gratuities, and still embark on capital projects.
“Nigeria is moving in the right direction. In contrast, Atiku and his party remain stuck in the past, fixated on doomsday scenarios. Ironically, many of today’s challenges stem from the PDP years, when Atiku was Vice President,” Onanuga said.
He added that after two years and five months in office, the Tinubu administration is “proud of the progress being made” and will continue to push forward with reforms to strengthen the economy.
