In a recent statement, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, accusing him of lacking the moral right to comment on Nigeria’s poverty issues. Sanwo-Olu’s remarks followed Obi’s speech at Johns Hopkins University, where he compared Nigeria’s poverty situation with those of China and Vietnam. Obi had pointed out that Nigeria’s poverty rate was alarming, with around 50 million people living in poverty, and argued that countries like China and Vietnam achieved growth by having strong political leadership.

Sanwo-Olu, however, disagreed with Obi’s comments. He accused Obi of damaging Nigeria’s reputation internationally by making negative statements about the country while abroad. Sanwo-Olu claimed that Obi’s tenure as the governor of Anambra State didn’t help reduce poverty. In fact, during Obi’s time in office, the poverty rate in Anambra rose significantly.

Sanwo-Olu also pointed out that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, substantial efforts have been made to reduce poverty. Tinubu, according to Sanwo-Olu, has built over 200 schools and provided loans to thousands of students. Furthermore, Tinubu’s administration has made efforts to reduce poverty and improve access to credit facilities for businesses.

Sanwo-Olu argued that Obi, during his eight years as governor, failed to provide critical infrastructure like schools or hospitals and didn’t create sustainable economic opportunities. In contrast, Sanwo-Olu highlighted that his predecessor, Tinubu, made significant progress in lifting people out of poverty.

In conclusion, Sanwo-Olu questioned Obi’s ability to criticize the current government, given his own track record in Anambra. He emphasized that true patriotism involves promoting the country positively abroad, not demeaning it.