As Nigerians grapple with worsening economic conditions, the Tinubu administration has accused opposition parties of trying to sabotage national progress, branding them “enemies of Nigeria’s development.
”Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, made the accusation in a statement on Tuesday.
He referenced a 2022 warning by former Emir of Kano and ex-CBN governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who urged Nigerians to brace for the economic reforms ahead.
Onanuga claimed that President Tinubu’s government is being unfairly targeted despite taking bold steps to rescue the economy. He described the administration as “the most focused and transformative in Nigeria’s history.
”Emir Sanusi clearly stated that the reforms wouldn’t be easy. He said, ‘If anyone tells you it will be easy, don’t vote for him.’ Just two years into these reforms, critics have joined forces in an attempt to bring down a government that is working tirelessly for Nigeria’s future,” Onanuga wrote.
His remarks come amid public outcry over severe economic measures, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira — policies that have led to inflation, job losses, and a soaring cost of living.In his 2022 statement during the Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit, Sanusi urged Nigerians to prepare for tough decisions.
He warned: “If a politician promises you an easy way out, don’t vote for him. Either he’s lying, or he doesn’t understand the job.”
Sanusi also emphasized that resolving Nigeria’s economic challenges would require difficult but necessary adjustments, including revising tariffs in critical sectors such as electricity and petroleum.
He stressed the need to confront corruption and eliminate inflated subsidy claims.He called for full transparency in subsidy disbursements, insisting that all records be subject to verification.
“They must provide the names of ships that delivered the products, and we must confirm that those ships were actually in Nigerian waters on the stated dates. No subsidy payment should be made without solid proof,” Sanusi said.
Meanwhile, critics continue to blame the Tinubu administration for deepening poverty and hardship across the country. However, the presidency maintains that its policies are essential sacrifices required for long-term economic recovery and national stability.
