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The Presidency has strongly rebuked former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, over his recent criticism of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his remarks as misleading and hypocritical.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Federal Government dismissed Aregbesola’s comments made at a convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he reportedly called on President Tinubu to resign over the state of the economy and security challenges.
The Presidency described the ADC gathering as lacking legitimacy and accused opposition figures of failing to present any credible alternative plans for Nigeria’s development.
Onanuga argued that Aregbesola’s tenure as governor of Osun State was marked by economic hardship, including irregular salary payments to civil servants and pensioners. According to him, the former governor’s policies led to financial strain in the state, leaving a legacy that subsequent administrations have had to manage.
He noted that Aregbesola’s successor, Adegboyega Oyetola, made efforts to stabilise the state’s finances, while the current governor, Ademola Adeleke, continues to address lingering challenges.
The Presidency also criticised Aregbesola’s record as Minister of Interior under former President Muhammadu Buhari, citing multiple security breaches, including prison attacks and jailbreaks across the country.
Among the incidents referenced was the attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre, as well as other correctional facilities in different parts of the country, which reportedly led to the escape of thousands of inmates.
Onanuga further pointed to difficulties experienced by Nigerians in obtaining international passports during Aregbesola’s tenure, describing it as a period marked by administrative inefficiencies.
He argued that it was contradictory for the former minister to criticise the current administration’s handling of security, given the challenges recorded during his time in office.
The statement also accused opposition politicians of exploiting isolated security incidents to discredit the Tinubu administration, rather than offering constructive solutions.
Defending the government’s economic policies, the Presidency said reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda have begun to yield results, including improvements in key economic indicators.
According to Onanuga, the administration has implemented measures such as increasing the national minimum wage, expanding social intervention programmes, and supporting small businesses to cushion the effects of economic reforms.
He added that inflation has declined compared to earlier levels, while efforts are ongoing to stabilise food prices and improve living conditions.
On security, the Presidency maintained that the government has continued to invest in military capacity and intelligence gathering, as well as collaborate with international partners to combat terrorism and banditry.
The statement further highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s economic outlook, including increased investor confidence and growth in the capital market.
Onanuga insisted that the administration remains committed to addressing challenges facing the country, while urging Nigerians to remain cautious of political narratives aimed at undermining ongoing reforms.
The exchange marks a fresh escalation in political tensions, as debates over governance, economic reforms, and security continue to dominate national discourse.
