Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has strongly criticized Peter Obi for comments made at Johns Hopkins University in the United States, arguing that Obi is not in a position to speak about poverty in Nigeria.
Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, had discussed Nigeria’s economic decline and rising poverty rates over the past 25 years, comparing Nigeria’s situation to that of China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
He highlighted that while Nigeria had the fewest people living in poverty among those countries in 1990, it now has more poor people than those three countries combined.
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In response, Sanwo-Olu issued a statement accusing Obi of making negative remarks about Nigeria.
He expressed concern about Obi’s behavior, saying that prominent Nigerians should present a positive image of the country when abroad.
“He made unflattering remarks not just about the incumbent Nigerian government but also about Nigeria. I also find Mr Obi’s pattern of behaviour disturbing. When prominent Nigerians go overseas, they ought to 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 demarket her. That is what true patriotism is about.”
Sanwo-Olu focused his rebuttal on the issue of poverty, stating that leaders can combat poverty through education, healthcare, credit access, and land access.
He then criticized Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, claiming that Obi did not build new schools or hospitals or provide sustainable credit facilities.
He contrasted Obi’s record with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who Sanwo-Olu said has built numerous schools and provided student loans and credit facilities to businesses.
Sanwo-Olu also argued that poverty in Anambra State increased during Obi’s governorship, rising from 41.4 percent to 53.7 percent in two years.
He further stated that Obi’s successor, Willie Obiano, significantly reduced the poverty rate in the state.
“As such, I am not sure that Mr. Obi is morally well placed to make the alarming claims he made about Nigeria at Johns Hopkins. Mr. Obi contributed to the increase in poverty in Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu concluded.
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