Development and investment expert, Dr. Nnaemeka Obiaraeri, has strongly criticized presidential aide Bayo Onanuga’s reaction to comments made by Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, regarding Nigeria’s economic state.
Speaking during an interview with News Central TV, Dr. Obiaraeri described Onanuga’s response as lacking substance and maturity. “If I were Mr. President, I would have fired him, because his response was so infantile. He never addressed any of the issues,” he stated.
He argued that Adesina is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished technocrats, with a proven record from his time as Minister of Agriculture under President Jonathan and now as AfDB President. According to him, the facts Adesina laid out about Nigeria’s economic regression were accurate and shouldn’t be dismissed.
To support this, Obiaraeri cited historical data, noting that in 1970, Nigeria’s GDP stood at $12.4 billion, compared to South Korea’s $3.9 billion. He said both countries were at par by 1980, but today, South Korea has surged ahead with a GDP of $1.71 trillion, while Nigeria struggles below $200 billion.
He maintained that the country’s economic challenges didn’t start under Tinubu, but were inherited from previous administrations. A responsible government spokesperson, he argued, should have acknowledged Adesina’s valid observations and focused on solutions rather than deflection.
Obiaraeri also addressed criticisms linking Adesina’s comments to political motives, asserting that there was nothing political in his assessment. He insisted that Peter Obi’s economic suggestions were in line with expert recommendations, particularly around reducing wasteful spending and investing in productive sectors.
He called for sincerity and competence in governance, suggesting that the current administration must take bold steps, including reshuffling its cabinet and reducing the cost of governance.
According to him, “Nigeria has the potential to become a $1 trillion economy within 4–5 years if the right policies are adopted.” He stressed that achieving this would require capable leadership, not dismissive responses to constructive criticism.
Dr. Obiaraeri concluded by urging President Tinubu’s team to engage experts like Adesina and implement meaningful reforms rather than attacking those who speak truth to power.
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