In a remarkable and unexpected twist, Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has taken to social media to offer a satirical and tongue-in-cheek praise for President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, calling them a "tremendous success" and claiming that "Tinubu has done very well."
In a series of social media posts and public comments that have left the political landscape buzzing, Obi acknowledged that the Tinubu administration has introduced a series of bold economic policies that have "revolutionized the nation’s economic framework."
"Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has witnessed a remarkable surge in inflation, making the cost of living truly reflective of global economic realities. It’s inspiring to see the price of basic commodities soar, offering every Nigerian a chance to become intimately familiar with the value of their naira,” Obi remarked in a tweet. “Indeed, we’ve all been given a masterclass in how quickly economic policies can reshape our daily lives.”
Obi, known for his sharp political wit, also remarked on the administration’s fuel subsidy removal policy, calling it an "inspired move to embrace economic austerity." He continued, "The removal of subsidies has undoubtedly taught Nigerians the value of every drop of fuel they buy, while ensuring that only those who truly need it — the wealthiest few — have access to cheaper petroleum products."
While the tone of Obi’s praise has been widely interpreted as satirical, it also highlights serious concerns raised by various stakeholders regarding the economic hardships many Nigerians are enduring under the current policies. Critics of the administration have pointed to skyrocketing inflation, the depreciation of the naira, and soaring unemployment rates as indicators of the government’s economic mismanagement.
Obi’s critique serves as a pointed reminder that while some policies may be framed as necessary sacrifices, the impacts on ordinary citizens are far from negligible. "It is clear that economic progress, when measured by the lives of Nigerians, requires more than just bold policies. It requires thoughtful leadership that considers the broader implications of such decisions,” Obi concluded.