You are a Shallow Personality Lacking Capacity to Understand Economics,Presidency Lashes Obi
The Presidency has responded to criticism from former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing him as a “shallow” personality who lacks a deep understanding of economics and governance.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, expressed surprise that Obi agreed with the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of foreign exchange.
Bwala stated that Obi’s agreement with the policies, while claiming he would have implemented them in a better and more “organised” manner, was evidence that the former Anambra governor and other opposition figures were merely seeking to grab power without offering any alternative agenda.
The Presidency’s response came after Obi appeared on Arise TV, where he challenged President Tinubu to account for the billions of revenue saved from the removal of fuel subsidy.
Obi argued that while he would have removed the subsidy, he would have done so in a more gradual and organized way.
However, Bwala countered that Obi’s comments demonstrated a lack of depth in his understanding of economics and governance.
“He seems to have very shallow knowledge of economics and governance,” Bwala wrote.
The Presidency’s adviser also noted that Obi’s interview on Arise TV, which was anchored by a member of his Obidient movement, was notable for its lack of tough questioning.
“That’s why you don’t hear ‘I put it to you’ and no barking like a rottweiler; Yet ‘if it didn’t Dey it didn’t Dey’,” Bwala said.
The exchange between the Presidency and Obi is the latest in a series of verbal sparring matches between the two sides.
The opposition has been critical of the government’s economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, which has led to increased prices and hardship for many Nigerians.
In response to Obi’s demand for accountability on the use of revenue saved from the subsidy removal, the Presidency has yet to provide a detailed explanation.
However, Bwala’s statement suggests that the government is confident in its economic policies and is willing to defend them against criticism from the opposition.
