The Nigerian Presidency rebuked former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his criticisms of successive administrations, labeling him unfit to comment on governance. Bayo Onanuga, a Tinubu aide, highlighted Obasanjo’s alleged failings, including corruption and constitutional violations. The clash follows Obasanjo's critique of Tinubu at the Yale-hosted Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum.
In an ongoing public feud, Nigeria's Presidency launched a second attack on Monday against former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of lacking the moral standing to criticize successive administrations. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, labeled Obasanjo "not a paragon of virtue" in matters of integrity and public leadership.
The scathing rebuke followed remarks made by Obasanjo during the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, where he criticized Tinubu's government as leading a failing state. He further accused Nigeria's political elites of manipulating resources and laws for personal gain.
Earlier, another presidential aide, Sunday Dare, had condemned Obasanjo's comments, asserting that the ex-president's record disqualified him from passing judgment on current administrations.
In his statement, Onanuga cataloged what he described as Obasanjo's failings during his tenure, including allegations of corruption, constitutional violations, and mismanagement of Nigeria’s economic and security apparatus. He highlighted controversies such as the failed third-term bid, privatization scandals, and unresolved infrastructure challenges.
The Presidency also cited Obasanjo’s contentious relationship with literary icon Chinua Achebe, noting Achebe’s rejection of a national honor under Obasanjo’s leadership due to "state-sponsored brigandage."
Onanuga concluded by urging Obasanjo to reflect on his time in office rather than criticizing those working to fix inherited challenges. The Presidency's fiery rebuttals have underscored deep-seated tensions between Tinubu's government and Nigeria's longest-serving leader.
