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 event at Johns Hopkins University in the U.S.
In a statement released on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu accused Obi of making “disparaging comments” not just about the Nigerian government, but about the country itself. He argued that prominent Nigerians speaking abroad should promote the country’s image, not undermine it.
“It’s troubling to see Mr. Obi speak negatively about Nigeria overseas. You don’t have to support the government, but we all have a duty to represent Nigeria positively on the global stage. That’s what true patriotism means,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Responding to Obi’s criticism of the current administration’s economic policies and claims that poverty is worsening, Sanwo-Olu defended President Bola Tinubu. He pointed to Tinubu’s track record as Lagos State governor, saying he successfully tackled poverty and improved infrastructure during his tenure from 1999 to 2007.
Sanwo-Olu also questioned Obi’s performance as governor, claiming he failed to build schools or hospitals and didn’t offer sustainable credit support. “It’s ironic for someone with such a record to criticise a government actively working to improve those very areas,” he added.
He further claimed that poverty in Anambra increased under Obi, citing data showing the poverty rate rose from 41.4% to 53.7% during Obi’s first two years in office, while his successor, Willie Obiano, later reduced it significantly.
“Peter Obi talks a good game, but the numbers don’t support his claims,” Sanwo-Olu said. “He contributed to rising poverty, while President Tinubu has helped lift millions out of it. So really, who should be criticising whom?”