Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has taken a swipe at former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his capacity to “rescue Nigeria” after what he described as a poor performance as governor of Anambra State.
Speaking to journalists on Friday in Abuja, Akume dismissed Obi’s repeated rhetoric about rescuing the country, arguing that he lacked the record to back such ambition.
“Like I have already said, it’s like differences without division, rivalry. We love this country and we have to borrow from the example of President Bola Tinubu,” Akume said.
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as a unifying figure across religious and cultural lines.
“He’s a Muslim but at peace with all of us: Christians, Muslims and traditionalists. Nigeria is a huge country in the move, and under his direction, we know that we are going to reach the promised land,” he added.
Akume acknowledged that Tinubu inherited a struggling economy but insisted that the administration had made progress under his stewardship.
“I know he inherited a very bad economy but we are out of it. Today, our Gross Domestic Product, GDP, has grown by 4.4%,” he said.
The SGF then aimed his sharpest criticism at Peter Obi, saying he had no moral standing to speak about rescuing the country.
“What are people hanging around talking about? Coming to rescue Nigeria. Which Nigeria? If Peter Obi could not rescue Anambra, he’s talking of rescuing the 36 states and Abuja,” Akume quipped.
He further took a veiled jab at other opposition politicians, claiming many had failed to deliver even in their home states.
“For other people I don’t want to mention their names. They came, they saw, they didn’t conquer even in their states,” he said.