Lagos – Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, for comments about Nigeria made at Johns Hopkins University in the US. Sanwo-Olu accused Obi of “demarketing” Nigeria globally. “When prominent Nigerians go overseas, they ought to project Nigeria positively,” Sanwo-Olu said. “That is what true patriotism is about.” Sanwo-Olu criticises Obi for presenting a negative image of the country.
Obi’s Take on Poverty Trends
At the university, Peter Obi compared Nigeria’s poverty levels to China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. He noted that in 1990, Nigeria had about 50 million people in poverty, fewer than those Asian nations. Obi argued Nigeria now has more poor people than the three countries combined, linking this to leadership decisions.
Sanwo-Olu Questions Obi’s Poverty Record
Governor Sanwo-Olu questioned Obi’s standing to discuss national poverty. He stated that during Obi’s time as Anambra State Governor, poverty increased from 41.4% to 53.7%. “I am not sure that Mr. Obi is morally well placed to make the alarming claims,” Sanwo-Olu said. He added, “Mr. Obi contributed to the increase in poverty in Nigeria.” Sanwo-Olu criticises Obi, pointing to Obi’s successor whom Sanwo-Olu claims reduced poverty in Anambra.
Contrasting Leadership Claims
Sanwo-Olu contrasted Obi’s record with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He cited Tinubu’s work building schools, providing student loans, and offering credit facilities to businesses. This exchange shows the ongoing political debate about Nigeria’s economy and leadership. Sanwo-Olu criticises Obi, using the comparison for political emphasis.
Abdullah Korede
