The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has faulted former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over comments he made about Nigeria during a recent appearance at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement yesterday, accused Obi of making “disparaging comments” about the country, saying prominent Nigerians travelling abroad should promote the nation’s image rather than “de-market” it.
The governor said, “He made the 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.”
Responding specifically to Obi’s criticism of the current administration’s economic policies and claims that they were worsening poverty, Sanwo-Olu defended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts, noting that Tinubu had a track record of reducing poverty when he governed Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.
