Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has sharply criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of promoting unrealistic economic ideas and engaging in petty political manoeuvring.

Onanuga’s comments come during an exchange of words between the presidency and Atiku, following his proposals for addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.

In recent weeks, Atiku has offered his thoughts on how to improve the country’s economy, including his claims that he cannot feel envious of President Tinubu, who he believes is responsible for causing significant hardship among Nigerians. The former vice president’s remarks, however, have drawn the ire of Onanuga, who argues that Atiku’s critiques are nothing more than ill-conceived and impractical ideas.

Onanuga pointed out that the Nigerian people rejected Atiku and his approach to governance during the 2023 presidential election, underscoring the fact that he failed to convince the electorate of his ability to lead the country.

In a statement released on Sunday, Onanuga further stated that Atiku’s economic suggestions lacked any substance, offering no realistic alternatives to the reforms Tinubu’s administration is pursuing.

The Special Adviser went on to remind Atiku that the current government inherited a deeply mismanaged economy, plagued by decades of poor policy decisions, including a massive subsidy burden that far outstrips Nigeria’s crude oil earnings.

He emphasized that while Atiku criticizes the president, his economic proposals fail to present a credible solution to the nation’s challenges.

Onanuga called for Atiku to take responsibility for his past mistakes and focus on restoring his reputation as a statesman, rather than continuing to peddle what he described as “fantastical” and “counterproductive” ideas.