YOU’RE ONLY DESPERATE FOR POWER, CLUELESS ABOUT GOVERNANCE — PRESIDENCY REPLIES PETER OBI

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By: Sefiu Ajape

The Presidency on Monday responded to recent criticisms from former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, portraying him as lacking depth and a clear understanding of economics and governance.

This was stated by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, in a post shared via his official X account.

Bwala expressed surprise that Obi could endorse some of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms—specifically, the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.

He argued that Obi and other opposition leaders appear primarily focused on seizing power, rather than offering informed policy alternatives.

He wrote, “Is anybody watching Peter Obi on Arise TV?

” He agreed with our policy of removal of subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange; he claimed he would have done it better than us in an ‘organised manner’

“He was asked what the ‘organised manner ‘ is.’ He played with words, yet to arrive at agreeing with us.

“Anybody with a rational mind knows these guys are just looking to grab power, but they don’t have any alternative agenda.

“He seems to have very shallow knowledge of economics and governance.

“Remember, this is even an interview anchored by a member of his Obidient movement.

“That’s why you don’t hear ‘I put it to you’ and no barking like a Rottweiler; Yet ‘if it didn’t Dey it didn’t Dey.”

On Monday, Peter Obi called on President Bola Tinubu to provide a detailed account of how his administration has utilized the billions reportedly saved from the removal of fuel subsidy.

Obi made the demand during an interview on Arise Television.

While acknowledging that there is nothing inherently wrong with eliminating the fuel subsidy and floating the naira, he stated that he would have implemented the same measures if elected president—but in a more strategic and organized manner.

The former Anambra governor, however, argued that he would have implemented the policies gradually and in a more ‘organised’ way than the ‘haphazard’ way the Federal Government went about it.

Obi said, “I have consistently maintained that I would have removed the fuel subsidy.

“If you go to my manifesto, it is there and the steps I would have taken in an organised manner.

“There is nothing wrong with the removal of the fuel subsidy.

“What is wrong is the haphazard way in which it was announced and implemented.
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“Since we were told that we removed it because we don’t want to borrow and that the funds will allow for investments in critical infrastructure.

“Billions saved. Where is it? Where is it invested in critical areas of development?”