'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Allies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prominently led by Bayo Onanuga and Sunday Dare, have launched a scathing counterattack against former President Olusegun Obasanjo following his recent criticisms of the Tinubu administration.
Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, Obasanjo had painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s state under Tinubu, describing it as plagued by "widespread corruption, poor leadership, and immorality."
This latest salvo from Obasanjo was met with a sharp rebuttal from Tinubu's supporters, who accused the former president of hypocrisy and poor leadership during his tenure.
Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, dismissed Obasanjo’s remarks as “self-important” and filled with “profound hypocrisy.” He reminded Nigerians of Obasanjo's controversial legacy, including failed infrastructure projects, allegations of corruption, and the botched third-term agenda.
A battle of narratives
The dispute has reignited a longstanding feud between Obasanjo and his successors, with Tinubu's camp framing their administration as one committed to addressing the failures they attribute to Obasanjo's tenure.
Onanuga highlighted Chinua Achebe’s refusal to accept a national honor from Obasanjo's government in 2004 as evidence of the former president's failure to meet ethical standards. Achebe had cited “abuse of power, corruption, and poor leadership” as reasons for rejecting the award.
Sunday Dare, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, echoed these sentiments, calling Obasanjo’s presidency the "most corrupt" in Nigeria's history. Dare criticized Obasanjo’s handling of the power sector, pointing to the $16 billion reportedly spent on electricity projects that yielded little result.
Governance and moral high ground
Obasanjo’s critics argued that his presidency was marked by constitutional violations and a lack of strategic investments in critical sectors. Onanuga and Dare both pointed to Obasanjo's alleged complicity in the unconstitutional impeachment of governors, the mismanagement of national assets under his privatization program, and the poor state of infrastructure during his eight-year tenure.
“Democracy suffered mortal wounds under his watch,” Dare asserted, referencing Obasanjo’s failed third-term bid and controversial elections during his administration. He added that the current administration’s commitment to security and economic reforms is a marked improvement over Obasanjo’s record.
The way forward
While the Tinubu administration grapples with economic challenges and reforms, its supporters maintain that Obasanjo's criticisms are misplaced and self-serving. Dare concluded his remarks by urging Obasanjo to reflect on his shortcomings instead of attempting to undermine his successors.
The public exchange underscores a deeper ideological battle between Nigeria’s past and present leadership. As Tinubu’s administration navigates its Renewed Hope Agenda, the feud with Obasanjo highlights the enduring influence of political legacies in shaping public discourse on governance in Nigeria.
