‘You Lack Moral Authority To Criticise Tinubu’, Presidency Tackles Obasanjo

The Presidency has sharply criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of lacking both sincerity and moral authority in his recent comments on Nigerian governance. The remarks, which were made during a speech at Yale University, prompted a strong response from Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation to President Bola Tinubu.

Dare, in a post on his official social media account, described Obasanjo as a figure with “a tremendous capacity for mischief,” who has consistently misrepresented facts. He pointed to the former president’s administration, particularly the $16 billion power project, which critics have widely condemned for failing to deliver the promised improvements. Dare demanded an explanation for the “wasted” funds, highlighting that the project had only contributed to an enduring power deficit in the country.

The former Minister of Youth and Sports also accused Obasanjo of undermining Nigeria’s democracy during his tenure, citing the controversial attempt to secure a third term in office. Dare argued that this effort had inflicted lasting damage to the nation’s democratic processes, damage that President Tinubu is now working to repair. “Democracy suffered mortal wounds under his watch, only capped by his murderous rage for an ill-fated third term,” Dare said. He also emphasized that Obasanjo should apologize for failing to lay the necessary foundations for Nigeria’s advancement.

Dare dismissed Obasanjo’s claims of fighting corruption as “pretentious” and suggested that Nigerians were not fooled by such statements. “It is actually laughable that the former president’s pretentiousness about fighting corruption is not cutting any ice in the eyes of the general public,” he remarked.

The Special Adviser also reminded Obasanjo that the focus should be on real progress, rather than distractions. He reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are central to Nigeria’s development. “In this market called Nigeria, the man with the renewed hope agenda is the one that matters,” Dare stated.

He concluded by urging Obasanjo to reflect on his own legacy and consider the impact of his policies on the country’s challenges. “President Tinubu is now spiritedly battling to put the nation back on the track of development,” Dare said, calling on the former president to stop undermining current efforts. He also welcomed Obasanjo’s recent acknowledgment of hope for Nigeria’s future, noting that this aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he stated is on track for success.