Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has criticized former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over comments he made about Nigeria during a recent appearance at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.
In a statement released on Sunday, Governor Sanwo-Olu accused Obi of making disparaging remarks about the country and urged Nigerians, particularly prominent individuals traveling abroad, to focus on promoting the nation’s image rather than “de-marketing” it.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage, noting that such actions represent true patriotism.
“He made unflattering remarks not just about the incumbent Nigerian government, but also about Nigeria itself,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
“I also find Mr. Obi’s pattern of behavior disturbing. When prominent Nigerians go overseas, they should project Nigeria positively. They do not have to do that for the government, but we all owe a duty to market Nigeria on the global stage rather than de-market her. That is what true patriotism is about.”
The Governor’s comments came in response to Obi’s criticism of the current administration’s economic policies, in which he argued that the government’s decisions were exacerbating poverty levels in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu defended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, pointing out that Tinubu had a proven track record of poverty alleviation when he served as Lagos State Governor between 1999 and 2007.
“Now, I find it somewhat ironic that a man like Mr. Obi, who did not build a single school or stand-alone hospital throughout his eight-year tenure as Governor of Anambra or sustainably provide credit facilities, would criticize the Government of Nigeria, which is actively doing that,” he said.
“I say this because the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is my predecessor, and as Governor of Lagos and now President of Nigeria, has built over 200 schools and provided student loans to more than 200,000 undergraduates of Nigerian tertiary institutions,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu also challenged Obi’s governance record, claiming that poverty worsened in Anambra during his tenure as governor.
He referenced statistics showing that the poverty rate in Anambra increased significantly under Obi’s leadership, from 41.4% at the start of his tenure in 2007, to 53.7% after just two years in office.
“Mr. Obi talks a good game. But was he able to reduce poverty while he governed Anambra? Perhaps we can let the facts speak for themselves.”
“Under Peter Obi as a two-term Anambra Governor, poverty in Anambra increased. It did not reduce. Before Peter Obi became Anambra Governor on Thursday, June 14, 2007, the poverty rate in Anambra was 41.4%.
“But after just two years in office, the poverty rate in Anambra jumped to 53.7%.
“But the interesting thing is that five years after Peter Obi left office, his successor, Willie Obiano, reduced the poverty rate in Anambra from almost 60% to 14.8%.”
The Governor further questioned Obi’s moral authority to criticize the government’s actions, arguing that Obi’s tenure in Anambra contributed to the increase in poverty in the state.
“Mr. Obi contributed to the increase in poverty in Nigeria. Governor Tinubu, as he then was, was responsible for lifting millions out of poverty. So, who should criticize who?” he said.
