In a rare and bold move, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called out former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over recent comments on Nigeria’s poverty level.
The governor, in a personally signed statement titled, “Factually Addressing Mr. Peter Obi’s Criticism of Nigeria at Johns Hopkins University,” accused Obi of lacking the moral authority to discuss poverty issues in the country.
Peter Obi had, during his speech at Johns Hopkins University, compared Nigeria’s poverty rates with those of China and Vietnam.
He noted that Nigeria, in 1990, had fewer poor people than the two Asian countries but had fallen far behind today.
Obi stated, “The question then is, what exactly did these countries do to be able to achieve the desired growth and development? That is where political leadership comes in. These comparable nations, and, indeed, other progressive nations, unlike Nigeria, have competent leadership with character, capacity and compassion, committed to prioritising investment in critical areas of developmental measures: education, health, and pulling people out of poverty.”
However, Sanwo-Olu, reacting swiftly, said Obi not only “denigrated” Nigeria abroad but also made remarks that were unbecoming of a former leader.
The Lagos State governor emphasized that leadership decisions, whether good or bad, leave lasting impacts.
Therefore, leaders must be intentional about growth and ready to effect positive changes at every opportunity.
Sanwo-Olu said, “On Thursday, April 24, 2025, former Governor Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 election, was at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he made several disparaging comments about Nigeria.”
He further criticized Obi’s behaviour abroad, stating, “He made unflattering remarks not just about the incumbent Nigerian government, but also about Nigeria. I also find Mr. Obi’s pattern of behaviour disturbing. When prominent Nigerians go overseas, they ought to project Nigeria positively. They do not have to do that for the government. But we all owe a duty to market Nigeria on the global stage rather than de-market her. That is what true patriotism is about.”
Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu stressed that good governance is critical for any nation’s development.
He pointed out that every action or inaction by political leaders could either uplift or damage a country’s global image.
In addition, the Lagos State governor accused Obi of contributing to the poverty crisis during his tenure as Anambra State governor, arguing that the problem worsened under his leadership.
This exchange between two political heavyweights highlights the crucial need for leaders to understand that growth and positive impact must be deliberate.
