The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has criticised former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over remarks he made about Nigeria during a recent appearance at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu accused Obi of making “disparaging comments” about the country, urging prominent Nigerians travelling abroad to promote Nigeria’s image rather than “de-market” it.

“He made unflattering remarks not just about the incumbent Nigerian government, but also about Nigeria itself,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “When prominent Nigerians go overseas, they ought to project Nigeria positively. They do not have to do that for the government. But we all owe a duty to market Nigeria on the global stage rather than de-market her. That is what true patriotism is about.”

Responding specifically to Obi’s criticisms of the current administration’s economic policies, Sanwo-Olu defended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, citing Tinubu’s record of poverty reduction during his tenure as Lagos State governor from 1999 to 2007.

“It is ironic that a man like Mr Obi, who did not build a single school or a stand-alone hospital throughout his eight-year tenure as Governor of Anambra or sustainably provide credit facilities, would criticise a government that is actively doing so,” he said. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both as governor and now as president, has built over 200 schools and facilitated student loans for over 200,000 undergraduates.”

Sanwo-Olu further questioned Obi’s record, claiming that poverty increased in Anambra State during Obi’s time as governor. According to him, poverty in the state rose from 41.4% before Obi’s tenure to 53.7% two years into his administration. He also noted that Obi’s successor, Willie Obiano, later reduced the poverty rate significantly.

“Mr Obi talks a good game. But was he able to reduce poverty while he governed Anambra? The facts speak for themselves,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He concluded by questioning Obi’s moral authority to criticise the federal government, stating, “Mr Obi contributed to the increase in poverty in Nigeria. Governor Tinubu was responsible for lifting millions out of poverty. Being that that is the case, who should criticise whom?”