For the second time in 24 hours, the Presidency has responded sharply to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration,Daily Trust reports.
Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, Obasanjo described Nigeria as a failing state, asserting that the current administration’s “Emilokan” philosophy was falling short of expectations. He also accused the government of unprecedented corruption and called for a complete overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, had earlier criticized Obasanjo, stating that Nigerian democracy suffered severe setbacks under his leadership. Dare asserted that subsequent governments have struggled to address the damage caused during Obasanjo’s tenure, highlighting Tinubu’s significant progress in addressing these challenges. Dare also argued that Obasanjo has lost the moral authority to criticize and should apologize for failing to establish the infrastructure necessary for national development.
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Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, echoed similar sentiments, urging Nigerians to dismiss Obasanjo’s critiques. Onanuga accused Obasanjo of unconstitutional actions during his tenure, including orchestrating the illegal impeachment of governors and undermining democratic principles.
In a detailed statement, Onanuga highlighted what he called the irony of Obasanjo lecturing on governance, given his administration’s controversial record, including the alleged misuse of funds, flawed elections, and inadequate investment in critical infrastructure and security. He pointed to Obasanjo’s privatisation programme, power sector failures, and allegations of corruption as emblematic of his shortcomings.
Onanuga contended that while Obasanjo portrays himself as an economic reformer, his tenure left many problems unresolved, from infrastructure neglect to insecurity and flawed economic decisions. He argued that Tinubu’s government is now tasked with addressing these lingering issues, suggesting Obasanjo should reflect on his tenure rather than critique the current administration.
The Presidency concluded by emphasizing Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to address Nigeria’s challenges and reiterated its stance that Obasanjo is not a model of leadership or governance.
