Nigeria Presidential Aide Bayo Onanuga Slams Peter Obi for Silence on LGA Financial Autonomy Ruling

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga criticizes Labour Party candidate Peter Obi for his silence on the Supreme Court's ruling granting financial autonomy to Nigeria's LGAs. Onanuga suggests Obi is quick to share unverified news about President Tinubu but remains silent on significant developments.

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga criticized Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for his silence following the Supreme Court's landmark ruling granting financial autonomy to Nigeria's 774 local government areas (LGAs). Onanuga suggested that Obi's silence underscores his tendency to quickly share unverified news about President Bola Tinubu while remaining silent on significant developments. The ruling, which was delivered on July 11, received widespread attention and varied reactions across the country.

Onanuga, in a post on social media, accused Obi of failing to acknowledge the ruling that empowers local councils financially. He argued that a responsible opposition leader should commend positive actions by the government, highlighting the Tinubu administration's role in restoring autonomy to the LGAs. Onanuga emphasized that even Atiku Abubakar, another opposition figure, had recognized the importance of this ruling.

The ruling has sparked a range of responses from the public. Some individuals agreed with Onanuga, criticizing Obi for not conducting local government elections during his tenure as governor of Anambra State. Others defended Obi, arguing that the role of the opposition is to scrutinize the government rather than praise it.

Despite the criticism, Obi's supporters maintained that his focus should remain on holding the government accountable rather than seeking validation from its supporters. The debate continues to highlight the polarized political landscape in Nigeria.