Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sharply criticizes Peter Obi for “disparaging” comments about Nigeria made during a speech at Johns Hopkins University, questioning his record and patriotism
[dropcap]L[/dropcap]agos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched a strong rebuke against former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, condemning his recent speech at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, as “disparaging” and “unpatriotic.”
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Sanwo-Olu accused Obi of damaging Nigeria’s international image and challenged his moral authority to criticize the current administration, labeling his remarks as “deeply disturbing” and “hypocritical.”
“I find Mr. Obi’s pattern of behaviour disturbing,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “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 de-market her. That is what true patriotism is about.”
Sanwo-Olu directly countered Obi’s claims that President Bola Tinubu’s policies are exacerbating poverty in Nigeria, citing Tinubu’s achievements as Governor of Lagos State and now as President.
He highlighted Tinubu’s record of building schools, providing student loans, and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises.
That is what true patriotism is about.” – Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the importance of projecting Nigeria positively abroad.
In contrast, Sanwo-Olu scrutinized Obi’s tenure as Anambra State Governor, pointing out an increase in poverty rates during his time in office.
“Before Peter Obi became Anambra Governor on Thursday, June 14, 2007, the poverty rate in Anambra was 41.4%. But after only two years in office, the poverty rate in Anambra jumped to 53.7%,” Sanwo-Olu revealed.
He further contrasted Obi’s record with that of his successor, Willie Obiano, who significantly reduced poverty rates in Anambra.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu concluded.
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“Mr. Obi contributed to the increase in poverty in Nigeria. Governor Tinubu, as he then was, was responsible for lifting millions out of poverty. Being that that is the case, who should criticize who?”
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
