President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to Peter Obi, urging the former presidential candidate and ex-governor to be more mindful of his statements and refrain from undermining his administration. In a statement released by Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency condemned Obi’s “exaggerated” criticism of the government, which had painted a dire picture of Nigeria’s democracy under the current administration.
Obi, who has been vocal in his criticisms of Tinubu’s leadership, accused the president’s administration of political brigandage and corruption. He also claimed that Nigeria’s democracy had collapsed, a statement that has sparked significant debate. Responding to these claims, Onanuga dismissed Obi’s remarks as unfounded and urged the former governor to exercise more responsibility when making public statements. “I will urge him to watch what he says and restrain himself from playing to the gallery,” Onanuga said. “His hyperbolic remarks, suited for headlines, have been made without deep reflection and lack a solid logical foundation.”
Onanuga went further to describe Obi as a “discontented and disgruntled” politician whose views are shaped by personal frustration rather than a clear understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape. He questioned how Obi could claim that democracy had collapsed, especially considering the country’s political system has endured and strengthened over the past 26 years. “How can a democracy that has strengthened over the past 26 years be said to have collapsed?” Onanuga asked. “Only a discontented Peter, who benefits from the very free speech democracy provides, could perceive such a democratic downfall through his lens.”
In his response, Onanuga also pointed out the contradiction in Obi’s claims, highlighting that the former governor’s ability to voice his concerns at public events, such as Emeka Ihedioha’s colloquium, directly contradicts his assertion of a failed democracy. He argued that a truly collapsed democracy would not allow individuals to express such views freely without consequence.
The statement from the presidency also emphasized that Obi’s remarks were not only damaging but also misleading. Onanuga suggested that Obi’s criticism appeared to be an attempt to gain political attention rather than a genuine reflection on the state of the nation. “Such statements, made without any deep analysis, serve only to undermine the progress Nigeria has made,” Onanuga added.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has also been critical of Tinubu’s administration, made similar remarks at the same event where Obi spoke. However, Onanuga did not directly address Obasanjo’s criticisms, instead focusing on Obi’s role in spreading negative narratives about the country’s political situation.
In conclusion, the presidency made it clear that while everyone has the right to voice their opinions, it is important for public figures like Obi to be more responsible with their words, especially when they carry the potential to create division or confusion. The statement urged Obi to reconsider his approach and to focus on more constructive contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process.
