Presidency chides Obasanjo for criticising Tinubu

• Ex-President’s criticism hallmark of envy, bitterness, says Yoruba group
• Atiku, Obasanjo meet in Abuja

The Presidency has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of making unfounded claims that President Bola Tinubu came into office “without any plan.”

In response, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said that the so-called “planless” President is actively implementing economic reforms that Obasanjo himself initiated but abandoned mid-way through his tenure.

He said that one of Obasanjo’s key objectives was the complete deregulation of the downstream oil industry, a goal he ultimately failed to achieve due to opposition from organised labour and civil society groups.

Ajayi said that the former President only managed to increase fuel prices four times throughout his two terms in office rather than implementing the comprehensive reforms he envisioned.

“Twenty years after Obasanjo’s attempt at deregulation, President Tinubu has demonstrated the courage to follow through with policies aimed at redirecting the economy and enhancing the management of public finances.”

The SSA, while acknowledging Obasanjo’s historical significance as a leader who opened the economy and initiated essential reforms, criticised the former President’s perception of himself as the singular saviour of Nigeria, stating that his views often overshadow the achievements of subsequent administrations.

Ajayi, however, said that the current administration remains committed to building upon the reforms initiated in the past, striving for a more prosperous future for Nigeria.

Also, a group, Conscience of Yoruba Nation, has lashed out at Obasanjo over his remarks that Tinubu was not well prepared to pilot the affairs of the country.

According to the group, which is affiliated with Afenifere, the alleged claims of Obasanjo against Tinubu were driven by hatred and bitterness due to what it described as the intimidating success of the President.

The group, in a statement by its Convener, Kole Omololu, said that Tinubu was well prepared, hence his decision to hit the ground running when he was sworn in.

Meanwhile, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has met with his former boss, Obasanjo.

Atiku met with Obasanjo during the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation in Abuja, which was founded by his wife, Titi Abubakar.

The former vice president, who disclosed this, yesterday, expressed excitement about reuniting and walking alongside Obasanjo.

He described the meeting with Obasanjo as a profound privilege.

Atiku extended heartfelt gratitude to Obasanjo for his support and for lending his approval to the WOTCLEF Bill in 2003, solidifying legal protections for the vulnerable and positioning Nigeria as a leader in the fight against trafficking.