Second anniversary: Presidency faults Afenifere, says Nigeria’s comeback story under Tinubu underway

By Egena Sunday Ode

With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway, the Presidency has said.

Reacting to the criticisms of the Pan Yoruba Socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere’s criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s two year’s in office, the Presidency accused the group of “a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity.”

Afenifere had, in its assessment of Tinubu’s Presidency so far, asserted that Tinubu’s administration’s performance over the past two years had “witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.”

But in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, the Presidency called Afenifere’s view point “jaundiced, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.”

“Economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability, with GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and a Fitch B credit rating upgrade as evidence. Moody’s Investors Service’s latest upgrade of Nigeria’s rating from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook, indicates that the Tinubu administration is on the right path.

“The government is not oblivious to some discontent and difficult times among Nigerians. There is an urgency to deliver more tangible results, which is guaranteed given the impressive performance of the administration in just two years.

“Afenifere’s statement saw the cup as half empty. On the contrary, it’s half full. Under President Tinubu’s administration, some of Nigeria’s hydra-headed problems are being tackled headlong.

“The administration has achieved fiscal improvements, such as reduced deficits and increased revenues, which will eventually translate into meaningful microeconomic relief for most Nigerians in the short term, even as the government moves to address these issues with greater empathy and transparency.

“The administration’s demonstrable priorities are securing the nation, fixing the economy, and improving human capital development.

“Responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address the challenges and counter disinformation, as highlighted in the admonition against fake news and deceptive AI videos.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results. With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.”