The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has sharply criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent remarks on President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and the handling of the coup d’etat in Niger Republic.
Obasanjo had condemned Tinubu’s removal of the petroleum subsidy and the floating of the naira, suggesting these necessary policies were poorly implemented. His comments, made during a colloquium in Abuja, highlighted the financial strain and inflation that have burdened Nigerians since the reforms were introduced.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo acknowledged the necessity of these reforms but argued they had been executed in a manner that impoverished Nigerians.
Reacting to Obasanjo’s criticism, APC National Director Bala Ibrahim described the former president as a “serial critic” and suggested that Obasanjo might be showing signs of senility. Ibrahim noted Obasanjo’s history of opposing successive administrations since his failed attempt to secure a third term in office.
“Ever since he lost the bid to have a third term in office, he has consistently attacked every regime that comes after him. He sees himself as the only one who meant well for Nigeria from independence to date,” Ibrahim said.
He added that Obasanjo’s critical stance is not new, as he has similarly targeted former Presidents Buhari and Jonathan. Ibrahim argued that Obasanjo’s own tenure was marked by significant economic challenges and questioned his authority to critique current efforts aimed at economic stabilization.
“How can he say someone who is trying to put the economy on a better pedestal is not doing the right thing?” Ibrahim asked, defending Tinubu’s policies as efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
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