By Abiola Olawale
The Presidency has accused Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, of being consumed by a quest for power while lacking a fundamental understanding of governance.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, in a statement, said Obi’s relentless pursuit of the nation’s top seat has clouded his ability to grasp the complexities of governing a diverse nation like Nigeria.
While stating that he was surprised Obi could agree with the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, especially on fuel subsidy removal and the unification of foreign exchange, Bwala emphasised that it was obvious the former Anambra governor and other opposition figures were simply after taking over power, all the while.
Bwala asked: “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.”
Tinubu’s aide added: “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.”
The New Diplomat reports that this comes after Obi, a two-term governor of Anambra State challenged Tinubu to account for how his administration expended the billions of revenue reportedly saved from the removal of fuel subsidy.
The former governor who spoke during an interview session with Arise TV on Monday argued that Tinubu implemented the removal of fuel subsidy “haphazardly.”
Obi maintained:: “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?”
