Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has strongly defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying the president “took the bullets” needed to save Nigeria from economic collapse through difficult but necessary reforms.
In a lengthy statement titled “Bola Tinubu: The Man Who Took the Bullet for Nigeria to Survive,” Onanuga, who serves as Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, accused opposition politicians of spreading misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, despite the hardships Nigerians experienced after the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, the Tinubu administration has successfully repositioned the country’s economy and improved state finances.
Onanuga stated that many governors across the country are now able to execute major infrastructure projects because of increased federal allocations resulting from Tinubu’s economic reforms.
He claimed states that previously struggled to pay salaries and pensions can now fund roads, social projects, and development programmes with ease.
“The man who has taken the bullets to make Nigeria survive a fiscal disaster is even more willing to take additional bullets to make all Nigerians safe,” Onanuga said.
The presidential aide praised Tinubu for removing what he described as a “ruinous subsidy regime” immediately after assuming office in May 2023, adding that the government also ended multiple exchange rates and introduced tax reforms aimed at strengthening the economy.
He argued that although the policies initially caused hardship and inflation, the country is now witnessing positive results, including growth in the stock market, improved investor confidence, and increased revenue for states.
Onanuga also highlighted several projects and programmes under the administration, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, rail projects, student loan scheme through NELFUND, and the consumer credit initiative CREDICORP.
Defending Tinubu against criticism over electricity supply, Onanuga said the president’s campaign promise was being distorted by critics, insisting that electricity distribution companies are responsible for delivering power directly to consumers.
He further stated that the administration has taken steps to improve the power sector by strengthening the national grid, supporting generation companies, and expanding electricity metering across the country.
On security, Onanuga admitted that insecurity remains a major challenge but said the government is equipping security agencies with better tools and intelligence support to tackle banditry and terrorism.
He added that support from countries such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom is helping Nigeria strengthen its fight against insecurity.
The statement comes as political activities and alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to intensify across the country.
