Special Advisor Sunday Dare Responds to Former President Obasanjo’s Criticism of President Tinubu

Sunday Dare, Special Advisor on Public Communication and Orientation to President Bola Tinubu, has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent remarks referring to President Tinubu as "baba-go slow." The comment was made during Obasanjo's keynote address at Yale University's Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum in New Haven, Connecticut, where he voiced concerns about Nigeria’s current state.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Dare criticized Obasanjo’s leadership record, asserting that the former president lacks the moral standing to denounce any government. Dare argued that democracy suffered under Obasanjo's administration, which he described as having been marred by corruption allegations. “Former President Obasanjo is a man with a tremendous capacity for mischief, and Nigerians know it,” Dare wrote. He added that Obasanjo’s tenure was “the most corrupt” and that past administrations had to address the challenges left in its wake.

Dare also referenced the controversial $16 billion allocated for electricity generation during Obasanjo’s presidency, which allegedly failed to produce the promised results. He urged Obasanjo to apologize to Nigerians, stating that the foundational infrastructure for progress was lacking during his tenure.

Quoting a Yoruba proverb, Dare said, “A o ki n wo ariwo oja, eniti a anba na oja ni a n wo,” suggesting that the government would disregard distractions and focus on delivering results for the Nigerian people. He emphasized that President Tinubu would remain committed to his reform agenda and would “stay the course” in improving the country’s socio-economic landscape.