₦airaland Forum

The Presidency has fired back at former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his recent comments on the federal government’s handling of savings generated from the removal of fuel subsidies, Newspremises reports .

Obi, who was the Labour Party's flag bearer in the 2023 general elections, appeared on Arise News, where he questioned the transparency and accountability of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in managing the reported billions saved from ending the petroleum subsidy regime.

During the interview, Obi reiterated his support for the removal of the subsidy, clarifying that the policy was part of his 2023 presidential manifesto. However, he criticized the current administration for what he described as a “haphazard” implementation of the policy.

“I have consistently maintained that I would have removed the fuel subsidy. It is clearly stated in my manifesto, along with the steps I would have taken in an organized way,” Obi said.

He emphasized that while the removal itself was necessary, the lack of a clear and structured approach has raised serious questions.

“There is nothing wrong with removing the subsidy. What is wrong is the manner in which it was done—without proper planning. We were told the funds saved would be invested in critical infrastructure. Billions have reportedly been saved—so where is the money? Where has it been invested?” he asked.

In a swift reaction, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy and Communication, Daniel Bwala, criticized Obi's remarks, suggesting they exposed a lack of depth in economic understanding.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Bwala wrote:

“Is anybody watching @PeterObi on Arise TV? He agreed with our policy of subsidy removal and the unification of the foreign exchange system. He claimed he would have done it better in an ‘organized manner.’”

Bwala challenged Obi’s statements, arguing that the former Anambra State governor failed to provide a concrete explanation of what his “organized manner” would entail.

“He was asked what that ‘organized manner’ was. He played with words but eventually agreed with our approach. Anyone with a rational mind can see these people are only interested in grabbing power—they have no viable alternative agenda.”

In a further jab, Bwala questioned Obi’s economic competence:

“He seems to have a very shallow knowledge of economics and governance. Remember, this interview was even anchored by a member of his Obidient movement. That’s why you don’t hear ‘I put it to you,’ no barking like a Rottweiler. Yet, ‘if it no dey, it no dey.’”

The exchange between Obi and the Presidency underscores ongoing political tensions surrounding Nigeria’s fuel subsidy reforms—an issue that continues to stir public debate amid rising living costs and economic hardship across the country.

As Nigerians grapple with the economic realities of subsidy removal, the demand for transparency in how saved funds are utilized remains a key concern among citizens and opposition voices.

Source: https://newspremises.com.ng/peter-obi-has-shallow-knowledge-of-economy-governance-presidency-responds-to-obis-criticism-over-uel-subsidy-savings/

Mumu presidency.

Presidency of attack...... Give us governance and leave who's shallow in knowledge. You are shallow in governance

k

damilola4162:
The Presidency has fired back at former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his recent comments on the federal government’s handling of savings generated from the removal of fuel subsidies, Newspremises reports .

Obi, who was the Labour Party's flag bearer in the 2023 general elections, appeared on Arise News, where he questioned the transparency and accountability of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in managing the reported billions saved from ending the petroleum subsidy regime.

During the interview, Obi reiterated his support for the removal of the subsidy, clarifying that the policy was part of his 2023 presidential manifesto. However, he criticized the current administration for what he described as a “haphazard” implementation of the policy.

“I have consistently maintained that I would have removed the fuel subsidy. It is clearly stated in my manifesto, along with the steps I would have taken in an organized way,” Obi said.

He emphasized that while the removal itself was necessary, the lack of a clear and structured approach has raised serious questions.

“There is nothing wrong with removing the subsidy. What is wrong is the manner in which it was done—without proper planning. We were told the funds saved would be invested in critical infrastructure. Billions have reportedly been saved—so where is the money? Where has it been invested?” he asked.

In a swift reaction, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy and Communication, Daniel Bwala, criticized Obi's remarks, suggesting they exposed a lack of depth in economic understanding.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Bwala wrote:

“Is anybody watching @PeterObi on Arise TV? He agreed with our policy of subsidy removal and the unification of the foreign exchange system. He claimed he would have done it better in an ‘organized manner.’”

Bwala challenged Obi’s statements, arguing that the former Anambra State governor failed to provide a concrete explanation of what his “organized manner” would entail.

“He was asked what that ‘organized manner’ was. He played with words but eventually agreed with our approach. Anyone with a rational mind can see these people are only interested in grabbing power—they have no viable alternative agenda.”

In a further jab, Bwala questioned Obi’s economic competence:

“He seems to have a very shallow knowledge of economics and governance. Remember, this interview was even anchored by a member of his Obidient movement. That’s why you don’t hear ‘I put it to you,’ no barking like a Rottweiler. Yet, ‘if it no dey, it no dey.’”

The exchange between Obi and the Presidency underscores ongoing political tensions surrounding Nigeria’s fuel subsidy reforms—an issue that continues to stir public debate amid rising living costs and economic hardship across the country.

As Nigerians grapple with the economic realities of subsidy removal, the demand for transparency in how saved funds are utilized remains a key concern among citizens and opposition voices.


Source: https://newspremises.com.ng/peter-obi-has-shallow-knowledge-of-economy-governance-presidency-responds-to-obis-criticism-over-uel-subsidy-savings/

This Presidency sef. Always ready to attack but zero in performance e be like say na Olodo people full this Presidency. See as country just jaga jaga. A Presidency that Buharis second coming is better than, is that one a Presidency? Instead of them to concentrate and work they will be trolling all posts online to respond. Very anyhow set of beings.

NgeneUkwenu:
Peter Obi cannot string two sentences together, after decades of exposure to public life. My 10 year Old boy is way brighter than this dullard. Yet some low IQed Nigerians find in him their Messiah! This is very pathetic, to say the least.

You are a troublemaker, s'ebi you know?

We have moved, tell Akanbi to come to the East to inaugurate us.

The best way to respond to Peter Obi is with your performance.
All these media attacks and propaganda will not save tinubu.

fergie001:
You are a troublemaker, s'ebi you know?

We have moved, tell Akanbi to come to the East to inaugurate us.

...Fergie leave me before your bot go ban me!

magoo10:
The best way to respond to Peter Obi is with your performance.
All these media attacks and propaganda will not save tinubu.

Abi oo, you are right 👍

Is it the same Daniel Bwala that said " Even if you give Tinubu 30 years in office, nothing will happen" or, has he been Ronurize after joining APC. Like he boldly asserted in 2023 " The human brain is optically functional 24 hours a day, 365 days a week, until you join APC, it stopped working". It's very clear that Daniel Bwala brain is currently on ground zero. He shouldn't be taking seriously.

Presidency has failed Nigerians. They have no moral right to bark at any critics.

The only way you can make someone silly at criticism is when you're winning the battle and the citizens are rejoicing. At the moment, they have scored zero!

It is really amazing how the APC-led regime that has shipwrecked the economy is busy finding fault in Peter, very very amazing and very wonderful.

Can you imagine

And they keep blaming obi for their failure. Buhari blamed pdp for 8years for his failure.

June 12 is the celebration of ONE PARTY SYSTEM .. The New system of government Apc is building.

damilola4162:
Source: https://newspremises.com.ng/peter-obi-has-shallow-knowledge-of-economy-governance-presidency-responds-to-obis-criticism-over-uel-subsidy-savings/

The people with really deep knowledge are doing what they do best.......destroying the economy.

Since what is common, conventionally acceptable knowledge of Nigerian governance hasn't worked even once, isn't it even remotely possible that that's what is wrong and needs to be changed?

and tinubu knows nothing about economy and governance just mismanaging public funds and looting spree

They may be right o, they too were saying the same thing like obi until they got there. Nigeria not easy to govern. You only have idea of what 0.0001 percent of what is going on in Nigeria, but by the time you get there you will understand the remaining 99.9999%. I remember how that I hard no shoe man made mouth promised but bleeped up. Follow by sai baba came and killed everything and the burial is going on now by present government. You may be surprised that obi will come and conduct remembrance burial ceremony for the country. The only man that I respect is still Obj. Obj revived Nigeria without meeting any template after the military juntas killed the country totally. It was during the Obj regime teachers were building houses and buying cars .

Make I no lie...

His interview at Arise TV was very poor.


Omoyele Sowore has never been poor at the face of cameras....Peter Obi really fumbled!

I'm not surprised the attack dogs are doing what they are paid to do.

The more you respond to him, the more you make him relevant. Respond with action but e be like say one jazz de that Aso Rock that they don't know how to ignore some things.

Yes, Peter Obi is responsible for the economic downturn and high inflation in Nigeria.

Yes, Peter Obi commissioned a less than 30km fraudulent road last week.

Yes, Peter Obi is responsible for the closure of the Port Harcourt refinery after millions of dollars were pumped into it fraudulently.

Yes, Peter Obi is responsible for the high exchange rate, removal of subsidies without palliatives and uncommon suffering being experienced by the common man.

Honestly, the curse of a party called APC are very shameless and have taken governance to a new low. Very wicked men who are led by even a more wicked man whose aim was to snatch, grab and run away with the destinies of millions of Nigerians.

Truly, if APC doesn't kill Nigerians, Nigerians will definitely kill APC.

Let's tell ourselves the truth, that interview was utter rubbish.
I got tired after 5minutes into the interview when he was on and on about organized manner and when he talked about insecurities, I just knew this guy has nothing to offer

Peter Obi had asked where the savings from subsidies went.

emkz:
While some people's legacy is a brewery and how he used to buy fuel in government vehicles by himself and how he had one shoe and one wristwatch for seventeen years, Tinubu shows workings:

1. The coastal highway is active. 30 km is done.

2. Tinubu started the student loans to reduce the burden on indigent parents.

3. The fraudulent oil subsidy was canceled. This allowed increased allocations to states. States are now solvent.

4. Tinubu accomplished local government autonomy.

5. We have not heard much complaints from ASUU. Judicial workers are also happy. Well, they were on strike earlier this week, which was called off immediately.

6. The salaries of judges were increased.

7. There are now development commissions for the geopolitical zones.

8. Southern Kaduna has felt federal interventions in terms of a hospital and tertiary institutions.

9. Insecurity is being tackled.

10. Nigeria is united.

11. Peter Obi, lost the elections.

Thanks to Tinubu, Nigeria now has, for the first time in history, an association of bitter senior political refugees desperately searching for relevance and power.

Peter Obi also argued that you can't prioritize coastal road over tackling insecurity.

Peter Obi's interview with Rufai Oseni was largely pedestrian, drab and demonstrated limitations. Peter Obi does not think nor articulate solutions. He hardly gas solutions. When asked about tackling the crisis in LP, he said it was caused by government. When pushed to supply proof, he started derailing. Some Nairalanders believe he is the solution to Nigeria's problems. You only need to read their submissions to see the simulation of emptiness that is the motivation of the movement.

Peter Obi is all talk.

adioolayi:
Make I no lie...

His interview at Arise TV was very poor.


Omoyele Sowore has never been poor at the face of cameras....Peter Obi really fumbled!

Anybody that watched that interview without a bias mind knows Obi didn't say anything meaningful.

Except u an ardent Obi's meat rider, u will know the interview was rubbish

richmond500:
Let's tell ourselves the truth, that interview was utter rubbish.
I got tired after 5minutes into the interview when he was on and on about organized manner and when he talked about insecurities, I just knew this guy has nothing to offer

Great observation!! Peter Obi is like an okada rider who thinks he can fly a 747 and some gullible Nigerians are falling for his gimmicks.

emkz:
Peter Obi had asked where the savings from subsidies went.



Peter Obi also argued that you can't prioritize coastal road over tackling insecurity.

Peter Obi's interview with Rufai Oseni was largely pedestrian, drab and demonstrated limitations. Peter Obi does not think nor articulate solutions. He hardly gas solutions. When asked about tackling the crisis in LP, he said it was caused by government. When pushed to supply proof, he started derailing. Some Nairalanders believe he is the solution to Nigeria's problems. You only need to read their submissions to see the simulation of emptiness that is the motivation of the movement.

I have been warning Nigerians that Peter Obi will cripple the country permanently under six months because his IQ is too low to govern a complex society like Nigeria. The office of the president is not an entry-level position where you learn on the job.

Funflipper:
I have been warning Nigerians that Peter Obi will cripple the country permanently under six months because his IQ is too low to govern a complex society like Nigeria. The office of the president is not an entry-level position where you learn on the job.

You are right. Someone who could not explain for 5 minutes how he solved a problem. His ideas in the past:

1. Rufai Oseni: How would you solve economic crisis?

Peter Obi: Thank you for that question. I just came back from the prison. If you want, you can come with me. Rufai, the prisoners knew I came to talk to them.

2. Reuben Abati: How would you tackle corruption.

Peter Obi: Thank you Reuben. Very simple. The problem of corruption is that we have too many tollgates. If I am not corrupt and my wife is not corrupt, we have solved corruption.

3. Rufai Oseni: We need to see your manifesto.

Peter Obi: There is no better manifesto than what I am saying with my mouth. Is that one that people will remember. No, no, no. Even in my house o, its now difficult to hold family meeting because they will tape it and in future say, "dad, you told us that during summer, we will travel to this place". They will tape what you say and wait for you.

4. Okey Bakassi: What did you do as governor of Anambra state?

Peter Obi: China went back to China. In China, you know I have to speak about what China has done.

Okey Bakassi: No, let's talk about your tenure in Anambra state.

Peter Obi: I don't want to say what I did when I was governor in Anambra state.

There is nothing above that Peter Obi did not say in answering questions. Let the logically blind and emotionally hyperactive remove the blinders and assess this man and be frank to themselves.

We want a rich discussion in the political space. We want to see a competition of ideas. We want to see alternative views. Celebration of mediocrity is a political abomination.

We have now seen how Tinubu who is a "professor of economy" has totally destroyed it.