ABUJA — The Presidency has fired back at former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, over his claim that the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda is a scam, describing his remarks as baseless and reflective of a failed public service record.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Aregbesola’s comments—made at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention in Abuja—as “the rant of a man with a failed record in public office.”

Aregbesola had criticised the All Progressives Congress-led government, alleging that it lacked vision and had worsened economic conditions, citing rising fuel prices, exchange rate depreciation, and poor power supply.

“The ruling party never had a vision; its Renewed Hope agenda was a scam,” Aregbesola said, adding that the administration’s policies had placed severe hardship on Nigerians.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to step down, arguing that the government had failed to deliver on key promises.

Reacting via a post on X, Onanuga said Aregbesola lacked the moral standing to criticise the current administration, pointing to what he described as poor performance during his tenure as governor of Osun State and later as Minister of Interior.

“Unfortunately, Aregbesola did not undertake any honest self-reflection on his own record in public office — as governor or as Minister of Interior,” Onanuga said.

He alleged that Aregbesola’s time as governor was marked by unpaid salaries and pension backlogs, adding that the state struggled financially under his leadership.

“It is to Aregbesola’s infamy that Osun became known as a state paying just 20 to 30 per cent of normal salaries… many pensioners… died because they were not paid,” he claimed.

Onanuga also criticised Aregbesola’s record as Interior Minister, citing multiple jailbreaks, including the 2022 Kuje prison attack, and challenges in passport administration.

“For someone who failed so woefully… it is ironic that Aregbesola now seeks to lecture others on insecurity,” he said.

Defending the Tinubu administration, Onanuga highlighted what he described as key gains, including an increase in the minimum wage, improved foreign reserves, and a reduction in inflation.

“The Tinubu administration has never shied away from acknowledging that policy reforms have brought unintended consequences… however, numerous relief measures have been introduced,” he said.

He concluded by dismissing Aregbesola’s claim, stating, “No, the Renewed Hope Agenda is not a scam. The real scammers are the politicians gathered inside the ADC.”