Tinubu’s aide rebukes Peter Obi’s criticism on OECS visit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Abdullateef Fowewe
Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Engagement, Fredrick Nwabufo, has sharply criticised former presidential candidate Peter Obi for what he described as “headline-grabbing performances” and “frequent tantrums” lacking substance and facts.
Nwabufo’s remarks came in response to Obi’s repeated critiques of the current administration.
In a detailed statement on X (formerly Twitter), Nwabufo highlighted Tinubu’s ongoing official visit to Saint Lucia, the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), emphasising the visit’s importance in strengthening Nigeria’s ties with Caribbean nations and advancing South-South cooperation.
He stated, “President Tinubu is the visionary who sees Nigeria for its immense greatness and who has returned the nation to global reckoning,” adding that the visit is historic and consequential, with the Caribbean region’s 15 states boasting a combined GDP of over $130 billion.
Nwabufo also noted the strong cultural affinity between Nigeria and the Caribbean, underscoring Nigeria’s natural leadership role not only in Africa but globally.
“The world is paying more attention to Nigeria for good reasons. Effective domestic leadership, reinforced with a deliberate and well-designed foreign policy, reflects favourably on global perception,” he said, praising Tinubu’s leadership for transforming Nigeria’s global image.
Nwabufo concluded, “Nigeria is in good stead to lead,” dismissing Obi’s criticisms as lacking constructive foundation and urging focus on Nigeria’s rising international stature.
This latest exchange follows a series of confrontations between the presidency and Obi, with government officials accusing Obi of post-election trauma and political opportunism, especially over his comments on national tragedies and budgetary issues.
