I’m not demarketing Nigeria – Peter Obi replies Sanwo-Olu

 

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has responded to criticisms from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and others who accused him of portraying Nigeria negatively on the global stage

Obi came under fire following his remarks during an event at Johns Hopkins University in the United States, where he described Nigeria’s economic decline over the past 25 years and the resulting rise in poverty. He compared the country’s situation to that of China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, stating that Nigeria now has more poor people than the three countries combined.

Defending his comments, Obi said he was simply stating facts about the country’s challenges, not attacking or demarketing Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu had earlier condemned the remarks, calling them “unflattering” and “disturbing.” He argued that prominent Nigerians should promote a positive image of the country abroad. “They do not have to do that for the government,” he said, “but we all owe a duty to market Nigeria on the global stage rather than demarket her.”

Speaking again during a memorial lecture in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi dismissed the accusations. “I spoke a few days ago and people said I am demarketing Nigeria. When is truth being demarketing?” he asked.

Citing recent reports from the World Bank and UNICEF, Obi pointed out that these organizations also highlighted serious issues in Nigeria, such as rural poverty and child malnutrition. “Is the World Bank marketing Nigeria? Is UNICEF demarketing Nigeria?” he asked. “Let’s face the reality.”