Presidency Criticizes Obasanjo’s Comments On Tinubu Administration

The Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, has strongly criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo over recent remarks made at Yale University, where he questioned the current administration’s governance. Dare accused Obasanjo of spreading misinformation and noted that successive administrations, including Tinubu’s, have had to address the “mess” left from Obasanjo’s time in office.

In his response posted on X (formerly Twitter), Dare highlighted shortcomings from Obasanjo’s tenure, including alleged wasteful spending of $16 billion on failed power projects. He pointed out that this investment did not translate to reliable electricity for Nigeria, resulting in a severe power deficit.

“It is ironic that Obasanjo, whose government was marred by corruption, now positions himself as an anti-corruption advocate,” Dare said. He also criticized Obasanjo’s failed attempt to secure a third term, which he described as damaging to Nigeria’s democracy.

Dare concluded that Obasanjo’s criticisms are undermined by his controversial record and called for him to reflect on his contributions to the nation’s challenges. He punctuated his remarks with a Yoruba proverb, indicating that Obasanjo’s current statements are mere “market noise” compared to the tangible progress being pursued under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In line with this, Finance Minister Wale Edun affirmed that Tinubu is working tirelessly to lift Nigerians out of poverty. Speaking at the 2024 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) conference in Bauchi, Edun highlighted the administration’s focus on economic stabilization, investment attraction, and job creation.

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) also weighed in, criticizing Obasanjo’s call for the removal of INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu. The group, represented by Chairman Salihu Suleiman, labeled Obasanjo’s comments as hypocritical, citing his own administration’s history of electoral irregularities and violence.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, who hosted the NACOFED event themed “Fostering Economic Growth in Challenging Times: Strategies for Policies and Partnership for Fiscal Sustainability & National Development,” emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address economic challenges.