On Monday, the Presidency slammed Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, for his recent comments criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s handling of savings from the fuel subsidy removal.
During an appearance on Arise News, Obi raised concerns about the federal government’s management of funds accrued from scrapping the petroleum subsidy. He demanded greater transparency and accountability regarding the billions reportedly saved.
Obi admitted that eliminating the fuel subsidy was a necessary step and was included in his campaign manifesto. However, he criticized the Tinubu administration for implementing these policies in a “haphazard” manner.
“I have consistently maintained that I would have removed the fuel subsidy,” Obi said. “It is clearly stated in my manifesto, along with the steps I would have taken in an organized way.”
He added, “There is nothing wrong with removing the subsidy. What is wrong is the manner in which it was done—without proper planning. We were told the funds saved would be invested in critical infrastructure. Billions have reportedly been saved—so where is the money? Where has it been invested?”
In response, Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Communication, used his official X (formerly Twitter) account to accuse Obi of lacking depth in understanding economic and governance issues.
“Is anybody watching
@PeterObi
on Arise TV?” Bwala posted.
“He agreed with our policy of subsidy removal and the unification of foreign exchange. He claimed he would have done it better in an ‘organized manner.’
“He was asked what that ‘organized manner’ was. He played with words but eventually agreed with our approach. Anyone with a rational mind can see these people are only interested in grabbing power—they have no viable alternative agenda.”
Bwala further stated, “He seems to have a very shallow knowledge of economics and governance. Remember, this interview was even anchored by a member of his Obidient movement. That’s why you don’t hear ‘I put it to you,’ no barking like a Rottweiler. Yet, ‘if it no dey, it no dey.’”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli