Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, recently cast a critical spotlight on former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s time in office.
Dare accused Obasanjo of leaving a legacy of missteps that hindered Nigeria’s democratic progress and economic growth, suggesting that these failings continue to burden successive administrations.
Sharing his views via his X account on Monday, Dare expressed disappointment at Obasanjo’s recent criticisms of the current administration. He stated that Obasanjo has lost the moral authority to critique the government, arguing instead that the former leader owes Nigerians an apology for his administration’s shortcomings.
He remarked, “Democracy suffered mortal wounds under Obasanjo’s watch, exacerbated by his obsession with securing a third term. Nigerians are aware of his capacity for mischief, and his distortions of history do not go unnoticed.”
Dare also criticised Obasanjo’s claim to fight corruption, pointing to widespread public scepticism about the sincerity of such efforts. Referring to a Yoruba proverb, Dare urged Nigerians to focus on meaningful governance rather than being distracted by empty criticisms.
The challenges within the power sector during Obasanjo’s administration also came under scrutiny. Dare pointed out the alleged mismanagement of $16 billion allocated for power generation, which yielded minimal results.
“Despite such a massive investment, Nigeria was left with ‘megawatts of darkness.’ This glaring failure underscores the need for accountability,” he asserted.
Dare contrasted the past administration’s perceived failures with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which he believes offers a clear path to rebuilding Nigeria. He praised Tinubu’s focus on implementing reforms and staying committed to uplifting the country’s socio-economic conditions.
According to Dare, criticisms from Obasanjo should be seen as “market noise” – distractions from the substantive progress being made. He encouraged Nigerians to remain focused on Tinubu’s efforts, noting that these initiatives aim to provide long-term relief and stability for the nation.
“President Tinubu is resolute in his mission to transform Nigeria for the better,” Dare said. “Obasanjo’s remarks are nothing more than distractions, reflecting the childish nature of market noise.”
Renewed Hope agenda
Nigeria’s democracy
Obasanjo’s legacy
