‘Nobody Copies From a Serial Loser’ — Tinubu’s Aide Fires Back at Atiku Over Economic Plan Claim

 

Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his description of the President as a “dull student,” accusing the opposition figure of self-aggrandisement and inconsistency in his criticism of the administration’s economic policies.

Olusegun’s response followed Atiku’s allegation that Tinubu had copied his proposed petroleum production subsidy plan but stripped it of the measures needed to make it effective, opting instead for a 30-day fuel discount.

In a statement, the presidential aide dismissed Atiku’s claim, arguing that the administration’s intervention should not be interpreted as the adoption of the former vice-president’s proposal.

He challenged Atiku to provide evidence that the government had reintroduced fuel subsidies, questioning who was financing the discount and how much it had cost the national treasury.

Olusegun also questioned the impact of the intervention on Nigeria’s daily crude oil production, arguing that Atiku’s proposed production subsidy required closer scrutiny.

The aide urged the former vice-president to examine the details of the government’s policy before claiming that the administration had adopted his economic proposal.

He further attacked Atiku’s presidential ambitions, describing his repeated attempts to secure the presidency as unsuccessful, while defending Tinubu’s electoral record.

Olusegun also accused Atiku of inconsistency over comments concerning Tinubu’s age, alleging that the former vice-president had previously claimed the President was 91 years old while also referring to him as a younger brother.

The presidential aide said the opposition figure needed to clarify his positions and maintain consistency in his public statements.

Despite the criticism, Olusegun maintained that the Tinubu administration remained committed to its economic reform agenda, declaring that the government would not be distracted by opposition attacks.

He expressed confidence that the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda would continue through 2031, insisting that Tinubu would lead the country through the programme.

Atiku has continued to criticise the administration’s economic policies, particularly measures affecting fuel prices and the cost of living, while advocating alternative interventions to ease the burden on Nigerians.

The exchange highlights the continuing political dispute between the presidency and the opposition over the direction of Nigeria’s economic policies and the effectiveness of measures introduced to cushion the impact of rising living costs.