Politics
THE Presidency has dismissed calls by the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Peter Obi, for President Bola Tinubu to resign over the state of the nation, describing the demand as misplaced and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Obi’s comments failed to take into account the structure of Nigeria’s presidential system of government and the challenges inherited by the Tinubu administration.
Obi had reportedly compared Nigeria’s situation to that of the United Kingdom, suggesting that President Tinubu should consider resigning in the face of persistent economic and security challenges.
Reacting, Onanuga argued that Nigeria operates a presidential system with constitutionally fixed terms, unlike the parliamentary system in the UK where leadership changes can occur without a general election.
He also cited recent electoral victories recorded by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in some states and senatorial districts as evidence of continued public support for the administration.
On security, the presidential aide said the government had intensified efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities across the country.
According to him, security agencies have recorded successes in rescuing kidnapped victims, neutralising terrorist leaders and strengthening surveillance through the deployment of advanced technologies and drones.
Onanuga maintained that the security challenges confronting the country predated the current administration and required sustained efforts rather than political rhetoric.
The presidential spokesman also defended the administration’s economic policies, stating that reforms introduced since May 2023 had begun yielding positive results.
He said Nigeria had recorded consistent quarterly economic growth, improved foreign reserves, increased oil production and higher government revenues.
According to him, investor confidence has improved, while state governments now have greater fiscal resources to undertake development projects.
On infrastructure, Onanuga highlighted ongoing projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, describing them as transformative investments aimed at boosting economic growth and national connectivity.
He also pointed to initiatives in the education sector, including the student loan scheme, and reforms in the energy sector designed to expand electricity access and reduce estimated billing through increased metering.
Addressing criticisms of the administration’s performance in the power sector, Onanuga said President Tinubu’s signing of the Electricity Act had empowered states to participate more actively in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
While acknowledging the rising cost of living and other socio-economic challenges, he attributed some of the pressures to global economic disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting energy and commodity markets worldwide.
The presidential aide urged Nigerians to assess the administration based on ongoing reforms and long-term outcomes, rather than what he described as partisan criticisms.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic recovery, infrastructure development, improved security and social welfare programmes aimed at enhancing the lives of citizens.
F.O
Tags: Bayo Onanuga Peter Obi presidency resignation Tinubu