APC Criticizes Obasanjo For Condemning Tinubu’s Reforms (Details)

APC Criticizes Obasanjo For Condemning Tinubu’s Reforms (Details)

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks on the current administration’s reforms and handling of the coup d’état in Niger Republic. Obasanjo recently criticized President Bola Tinubu’s removal of petroleum subsidies and the floating of the naira, attributing the rising inflation and cost of living to these policies.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo acknowledged the necessity of the policies but criticized their implementation. He made these remarks at a colloquium in Abuja titled “Nigeria’s Development: Navigating the Way Out of the Current Economic Crisis and Insecurity.”

“Today, the government has taken three decisions, two of which are necessary but wrongly implemented and have led to the impoverishment of the economy and of Nigerians. These are the removal of subsidy, closing the gap between the black market and official rates of exchange, and dealing with a military coup in Niger Republic,” Obasanjo stated.

This marks Obasanjo’s first public criticism of Tinubu, whom he did not support during the presidential elections.

Reacting on Monday, APC National Director Bala Ibrahim dismissed Obasanjo’s comments, suggesting the former President might be showing signs of old age. Speaking to The Ireporteronline, Ibrahim described Obasanjo as a “serial critic” and questioned his consistency in attacking subsequent administrations since his own tenure.

“As a Nigerian and someone who respects Obasanjo, I think senility is beginning to come in. Obasanjo is beginning to manifest the symptoms,” Ibrahim said. “Ever since he lost the bid to have a third term in office, he has consistently attacked every regime that comes after him. He sees himself as the only one who meant well for Nigeria from independence to date. He thinks he is the best and every other leader is bad. And this is not good for a statesman. Nobody has monopoly on knowledge or style of leadership.”

Ibrahim further accused Obasanjo of having overseen the fragmentation of the Nigerian economy during his presidency. He defended Tinubu’s policies, suggesting that Obasanjo’s criticisms are part of a pattern of denigrating successors, including Presidents Buhari and Jonathan.

“How can he say someone who is trying to put the economy on a better pedestal is not doing the right thing? I am not a spokesman for Tinubu. Even though the party has discussed him to my knowledge, I practically feel Obasanjo has erred as he has always been doing,” Ibrahim concluded.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr