…Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Criticizes ‘State Capture’ Remarks
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, has urged former President Olusegun Obasanjo to refrain from making statements that could undermine Nigeria’s progress. According to Ibrahim, the country is on the right track under President Bola Tinubu and the APC-led Federal Government.
Ibrahim made these comments during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television program, on Tuesday.
He was reacting to Obasanjo’s keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum held at Yale University in Connecticut, USA, where the former president criticized Nigeria’s leadership, describing the nation as being in a state of “state capture.” Obasanjo also called for credible leadership within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure electoral integrity.
“I have a lot of respect for former President Olusegun Obasanjo, but the language of the war on peacetime is a disaster,” Ibrahim remarked.
He argued that Obasanjo’s comments failed to acknowledge the challenges and progress of the current administration, stating, “If Nigeria at this time is a failed state, then what do we say about Ghana? Developing countries are inherently termed failed states in international relations.”
Highlighting Tinubu’s achievements, Ibrahim outlined several reforms aimed at repositioning the economy, noting that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) views these initiatives positively.
“Nigeria is working under this government,” he said. “President Tinubu is implementing reforms that are independent of foreign influence. These include removing subsidies and running economic policies tailored to Nigeria’s needs, not dictated by global powers like America or China.”
Ibrahim also defended the administration’s economic policies, asserting that they prioritize long-term growth and national independence.
“Tinubu’s government understands the challenges ahead and is tackling them with a clear plan. International stakeholders like the IMF recognize this progress,” he added.
The senator advised Obasanjo to adopt a more supportive stance, emphasizing the importance of unity and constructive criticism in navigating the nation’s path to development.
“So, I disagree with former President Obasanjo that Nigeria is a failed state. I disagree with Obasanjo for using war language in peacetime; we don’t need this kind of bullet statement from an elder statesman and government.”
He further challenged Obasanjo’s silence on issues like Boko Haram and security improvements under Tinubu. “Why is Obasanjo not talking about Boko Haram? Why is Obasanjo not talking about security? Why is Obasanjo not telling us that the security situation in the country has improved under Tinubu? Is the dollar-to-naira ratio now the yardstick to measure government performance?”
Ibrahim concluded by urging Obasanjo to adopt a more constructive tone, stating, “So, to me, when you use the language of war in peacetime, you are doing a disservice to the nation.”
