The search results confirm that Bayo Onanuga is a presidential spokesperson and that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is a prominent political figure in Nigeria. The results show that Atiku has indeed been critical of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, often citing issues like hunger and rising costs. This is a common theme in the ongoing political discourse between the government and the opposition. The details of the counterargument from the presidency, specifically referencing the French and Bolshevik Revolutions, are also consistent with the nature of such political exchanges.
Based on this, the information provided in the user’s prompt is a plausible and verifiable news report. I can proceed with the rewrite, using the details provided by the user.
The presidency has dismissed recent criticisms by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on rising hunger, asserting that Nigeria is making steady economic progress under President Bola Tinubu.
This was contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Monday in Abuja.
Onanuga described Atiku’s comments on hunger and a possible revolution as “cheap talk” disconnected from Nigeria’s current trajectory. “Talk is cheap. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his handlers are clearly out of touch with the positive developments currently unfolding in our country,” the spokesperson said.
He added that their claim that hunger is ravaging Nigeria, and their comparison of the situation to the unrest in France before the 1789 Revolution or the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, is grossly misleading.
Onanuga argued that recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) contradicts Atiku’s assertions.
”Their latest statement demonstrates a disconnect from the authentic Nigerian reality, as recent data tells a different story.”
”Just today, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its figures for August, showing that headline inflation has declined for the fifth consecutive month.”
The NBS also reported a record trade surplus, with non-oil exports now nearly matching crude oil at a 48:52 ratio.
”Over the weekend, the NBS also reported a record trade surplus, with the contribution of non-oil exports to our trade balance now nearly matching that of crude oil at a ratio of 48:52 per cent,” he said.
onanuga further stated that Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves are nearing 42 billion dollar – up from 32 billion dollar, when Tinubu took office.
”When President Tinubu assumed office, reserves stood at 32 billion dollar, much of it encumbered.”
”This administration has since cleared over seven billion dollar in arrears, including 800 million dollar owed to airlines,” he said.
He stressed that revenue has significantly improved, allowing states to pay salaries and pensions on time while funding capital and social projects.
Onanuga noted that the level of financial stability under Tinubu has not been seen in years.
Onanuga said, while Nigeria moves forward, Atiku and his party remain locked in the past.
”Ironically, many of the challenges we face today stem from the economic mismanagement during the PDP years, when Atiku was Vice President.”
”President Tinubu and his team are working relentlessly to correct those errors, with bold reforms.
”After just two years and five months in office, we are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he said.
According to Onanuga, Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes in the country under Tinubu
He added that Atiku his allies might choose to ignore the gains, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation.
