The Nigerian Presidency has taken a firm stance against prominent opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, highlighting their failure to acknowledge the recent positive developments concerning the Naira and the stabilization of the Nigerian economy.
This criticism comes in light of reports that Chinese traders have begun accepting Naira cards for transactions, marking a significant shift in the currency’s international acceptance.
Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, emphasized that this trend signals a crucial change in the global perception of the Naira, suggesting that it is gradually moving away from being overshadowed by the US dollar. Onanuga articulated that the growing trust in the Naira by foreign entities is a testament to the effectiveness of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms. He pointed out that the acceptance of Naira cards by Chinese merchants is not only a milestone for the Nigerian economy but also a demonstration of the Naira’s increasing strength as a viable means of exchange on the international stage.
In a post shared on social media platform X, Onanuga stated, “This is a salutary development for the Nigerian economy. The Tinubu reforms are making foreigners have faith in the Naira. The Almighty US dollar is not the ultimate king here. The Naira is waxing stronger as an international means of exchange.” He further mentioned his personal experiences of purchasing items on Chinese platforms using Naira cards, underscoring the practical implications of this economic shift.
Onanuga expressed disappointment that leaders like Atiku Abubakar, a veteran politician and former Vice President, Peter Obi, and El-Rufai, have not publicly commended this positive news. Instead, he accused them of waiting for adverse developments to criticize President Tinubu’s administration, suggesting that their political motivations overshadow their support for national progress.
The spokesperson’s remarks reflect a broader narrative within the Tinubu administration, which seeks to highlight the successes of its economic policies amid ongoing challenges. The acceptance of Naira cards by international traders is seen as a pivotal moment that could further enhance Nigeria’s economic landscape, encouraging foreign investment and boosting the country’s trade relations.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its economic challenges, the administration is keen to promote narratives that showcase the resilience and potential of the Naira. The refusal of opposition leaders to acknowledge these achievements has sparked debate about the role of political partisanship in discussing national progress, prompting calls for a more united front in celebrating the country’s economic advancements.
The government spokesman’s statement and Nigerian Presidency’s critique of Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai serves to underscore the significance of the Naira’s recovery and the economic stability efforts spearheaded by President Tinubu. As the nation moves forward, the government remains focused on fostering an environment where the Naira can thrive as a competitive currency on the global stage, while also calling for a collaborative approach among political leaders to recognize and celebrate the strides being made in the economy.
