National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has shared a detailed statement highlighting what he would have accomplished if he had won the 2023 presidential election.
Titled “What We Would Have Done Differently,” the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate expressed his thoughts on the country’s leadership and outlined his proposed reforms.
“Atiku noted that he has received numerous inquiries about his plans for Nigeria, stating, ‘I hope Tinubu and his administration are open to learning from our ideas for the benefit of the Nigerian people.’
He emphasized the need for robust planning and better preparation in governance, including thorough assessments of the nation’s conditions and consultations with key stakeholders.
He referenced his policy document, “My Covenant With Nigerians,” which aimed to safeguard the economy against crises and prevent business failures through consistent and coherent policies.
Atiku argued that his reforms would have prioritized fiscal and monetary alignment, resulting in more effective, people-centered governance.
“We would not have lived in luxury while citizens suffered,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of effective communication and stakeholder engagement to foster learning and adapt policy goals.
Among his proposals, Atiku suggested the creation of an Economic Stimulus Fund (ESF) with an initial investment of about $10 billion to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across various sectors.
He emphasized a commitment to accountability and transparency in managing state-owned enterprises, ensuring that only viable entities receive financial support.
Atiku also outlined plans for financial audits to minimize waste and enhance government efficiency. He acknowledged the challenges associated with subsidy removal, advocating for a gradual approach to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations.
On foreign exchange reforms, he criticized the existence of multiple exchange rates, which he claimed benefitted opportunists and fraudsters. He rejected a fixed exchange rate system as inconsistent with an open, private-sector-friendly economy and suggested a managed-floating approach to foreign exchange management.
Atiku’s statement serves as a reflection of his governance vision and a critique of the current administration, underscoring his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing economic and social challenges.
