Presidency Rejects Economist Claims of Dislike for President Tinubu

The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed a report by The Economist that suggests many Nigerians dislike President Bola Tinubu. The government called the report “intellectual fraud” and insisted that Tinubu’s efforts to improve the economy are making progress.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, criticized the foreign publication for its views on Nigeria. He claimed that such reports often come from people who do not understand the country and are quick to predict doom and despair.

The Presidency argued that the report misrepresents the public’s feelings toward Tinubu. It stated that the narrative of widespread hatred for the President is a lazy and false portrayal of the situation. The statement emphasized the significant challenges Tinubu faced when he took office in May 2023, including a struggling economy and a broken financial system.

Dare highlighted the importance of recognizing the efforts made by Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of a costly fuel subsidy and reforms in the foreign exchange market. These changes, he claimed, are essential for Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth.

Furthermore, the Presidency pointed out that the administration has made strides in areas such as education, local government autonomy, and support for farmers. It noted that many citizens are benefiting from these reforms, contradicting the idea that there is widespread public hostility toward Tinubu.

While acknowledging the difficulties in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape, the Presidency maintained that foreign commentators often distort the reality of the situation. It expressed confidence that Tinubu’s leadership is steering the country toward sustainable growth and prosperity.