Yoruba Group, slams Obasanjo over Tinubu’s comment

October 28, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

A Yoruba political group, Conscience of Yoruba Nation, affiliated with Afenifere, has strongly condemned former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent comments on President Bola Tinubu.

Obasanjo had claimed that Tinubu entered office without a plan, but the group contends that this statement is born out of envy and lacks basis.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the group’s convener, Abagun Kole Omololu, Conscience of Yoruba Nation described Obasanjo’s comments as fallacious and misleading.

According to Omololu, President Tinubu had a clear plan, which he shared with Nigerians during the 2023 election campaign.

“President Tinubu’s plan was well disseminated during the campaign season, and Nigerians convincingly elected him as their President,” Omololu said.

“It’s unfortunate that former President Obasanjo has chosen to undermine Tinubu’s achievements due to personal ego and a desire to be seen as the only successful President from Southern Nigeria.”

The group noted that Tinubu’s plan, outlined in his manifesto, “Renewed Hope,” included key policies such as ending subsidies, floating the Naira, devolving power to state and local governments, and expanding education through student loans.

“Unlike previous administrations, President Tinubu hit the ground running with his plan, implementing subsidy removal on day one and floating the Naira within weeks,” Omololu said.

“He has also achieved local government autonomy through a judicial victory at the Supreme Court and introduced student loans.”

Conscience of Yoruba Nation cited several notable successes under Tinubu’s administration, including:

Nigeria’s fuel imports have decreased significantly since Tinubu implemented fuel subsidy removal, with the country now consuming less than 50% of what it allegedly consumed before.

Nigeria’s non-oil exports reached $4.58 billion in 2023, a 28.04% increase from the previous year. The country is on track to break this record in 2024, with $2.7 billion in non-oil exports recorded in the first half of the year.

Nigeria achieved a record ₦14.07 trillion trade surplus in the first half of 2024, a significant improvement from the trade deficit recorded in 2016.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange crossed 104,562.06 All Shares Index, a 39.84% increase year-to-date, making it the second-best performing exchange in Africa.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves have surpassed $40 billion, a significant improvement from the $3.7 billion reported by JP Morgan during the previous administration.

The group accused Obasanjo of attempting to undermine Tinubu’s achievements, citing his own failed policies and personal agenda.

“Obasanjo’s comments are sour grapes and envy,” Omololu said. “Nigerians should see it for what it is – a desperate attempt to tarnish President Tinubu’s image and undermine his successes.”

Conscience of Yoruba Nation urged Nigerians to disregard Obasanjo’s comments and focus on the progress being made under Tinubu’s administration.