The National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Kole Omololu, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s brief tenure in office already signals a trajectory of recovery and development, potentially outshining the achievements of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In a statement, Omololu highlighted the emerging economic reforms under Tinubu’s leadership, rebutting Obasanjo’s recent characterization of Nigeria as a failing state.
Obasanjo’s remarks were delivered during a recorded keynote address titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria” at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University. The former president criticized Tinubu’s administration, citing pervasive corruption, incompetence, and mismanagement as indicators of Nigeria’s decline.
Omololu, however, dismissed these claims, describing them as misinformed and reflective of Obasanjo’s penchant for attention-seeking. Citing former President Shehu Shagari’s memoir, Beckoned to Serve, Omololu labeled Obasanjo a “narcissist” who thrives on criticism to remain in the limelight.
Tinubu’s Economic Achievements
Omololu pointed to specific milestones under Tinubu’s leadership as evidence of progress. He noted that the administration had significantly reduced Nigeria’s debt service ratio from 97% to 65% of income within 17 months—a feat that demonstrates fiscal discipline.
Additionally, Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N14.07 trillion by mid-2024, the highest in its history. Omololu emphasized that the administration’s non-oil revenue for a single quarter surpassed the total generated during Obasanjo’s entire eight-year tenure.
“On March 28, 2024, the Nigerian Stock Exce achieved a remarkable milestone, crossing an All Shares Index of 104,562.06—a 39.84% year-to-date increase, making it the second-best performing exce in Africa,” Omololu said, questioning Obasanjo’s allegations of economic mismanagement.
Anti-Corruption Efforts
Omololu also defended Tinubu’s anti-corruption record, citing improved rankings in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. Nigeria moved up five places, from 150th in 2023 to 145th in 2024. This contrasts starkly with Nigeria’s ranking as the second-most corrupt nation under Obasanjo in 2002.
“Transparency International says Nigeria is less corrupt today than during Obasanjo’s administration,” Omololu remarked, further criticizing Obasanjo’s inability to manage his own administration, particularly his strained relationship with his deputy, Atiku Abubakar.
A Contrast in Leadership Styles
Omololu argued that Tinubu’s leadership style—marked by efficient governance and cohesive party management—stands in sharp contrast to Obasanjo’s record. Referring to the public fallout between Obasanjo and Atiku, he questioned the former president’s moral authority to critique Tinubu.
“If you could not manage your Presidency, what moral authority do you have to call the man who has managed his government and party with almost military efficiency a mediocre?” he asked.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo are equally responsible for the failing state allegations. They need to step up and do better!
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have their flaws, but lets not forget their contributions to Nigerian politics. Lets keep it balanced, people!
I believe both Tinubu and Obasanjo have contributed to the failing state. Lets hold all leaders accountable!
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have contributed to Nigerias challenges. Lets focus on solutions instead of blame.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points. Its not black and white. Lets focus on solutions instead of finger-pointing.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have their faults, but lets not forget their contributions to Nigerias political landscape.
Their faults shouldnt overshadow their contributions. We need to acknowledge both sides.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have their flaws, but lets focus on solutions instead of pointing fingers.
Agreed, lets stop the blame game and work towards real solutions. Time for action!
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points, but lets not forget to consider the bigger picture here.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points. Its not black and white. Lets consider the nuances.
I totally disagree with Afeniferes defense of Tinubu. Both leaders have flaws, but lets focus on solutions, not pointing fingers.
Agreed, but holding leaders accountable for their actions is crucial for progress. Lets not overlook accountability.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points. Lets not pick sides and focus on finding solutions instead.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valuable perspectives. Lets not dismiss either side too quickly. Lets keep an open mind!
Respect their views, but remember actions speak louder than words. Evaluate based on outcomes.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo need to step aside and give younger leaders a chance to shine. Time for fresh perspectives!
Honestly, I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo need to step aside and let fresh faces lead. Time for new perspectives!
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points, but lets not forget the role of other political leaders in the failing state.
Agreed, accountability should be across the board, not just selective targeting. Other leaders must step up.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points, but lets not forget the bigger picture – Nigeria needs unity and progress.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points. Lets focus on solutions instead of playing the blame game.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points. Lets not jump to conclusions without considering all perspectives.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points. Lets focus on solutions instead of pointing fingers.
I dont buy into the narrative that Tinubu is solely responsible for the failing state. Lets consider all angles before jumping to conclusions.
Tinubus track record speaks for itself. Dont turn a blind eye to the facts.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points. Lets not dismiss either of them too quickly. #ControversialOpinions
Tinubu and Obasanjo are both politicians with agendas. Dont get played. #StayWoke
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points, but lets not forget the role of corruption in Nigerias state of affairs.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points. Lets not jump to conclusions, lets analyze the facts first.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points. Lets focus on solutions instead of pointing fingers. #UnityInDiversity
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points, but we need to focus on solutions rather than blame.
I believe both Tinubu and Obasanjo have their strengths and weaknesses. Its important to look at the bigger picture.
I believe Tinubu has proven his leadership abilities, but Obasanjos concerns shouldnt be dismissed. Both have valid points.
I think both Tinubu and Obasanjo have valid points, but lets not forget to focus on solutions rather than just pointing fingers.
Wow, both Tinubu and Obasanjo are heavyweights in Nigerian politics. Who do you think is more credible in addressing the failing state allegations?