The Presidency has berated former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, accusing him of endorsing a “foreign invasion” of Nigeria following his reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy American forces against terrorists in the country.
Reacting in a post on 𝕏, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, condemned Obi’s comments, saying his position was unbecoming of a former presidential candidate.
“We shall never forget and forgive Peter Obi for supporting a foreign invasion of Nigeria,” Onanuga wrote.
He said Obi’s remarks amounted to openly welcoming a military intervention by a foreign government.
Obi had, at an event, criticised the Federal Government for allegedly downplaying insecurity and what he described as targeted attacks on Christians.
The former Anambra State governor said the worsening security situation had pushed Nigeria to the point where any form of assistance should be considered.
He said, “It is not genocide, it is not this, but me, we are not safe, come and help. Somebody offered you something you have been looking for, and you are saying no.”
He likened the situation to someone offering food to a starving family.
“Somebody finds out that Peter Obi and his family have not eaten in the morning or afternoon, and the person is offering food, and you are saying no. Collect the food first, and then you will know how you can ration it,” he added.
Obi further outlined what he described as the three urgent priorities Nigeria must pursue to curb insecurity:
He said, “If by today you declare me president, the number one priority is the security of life and property.
“Number two priority is to put people out of poverty, because the more you put people out of poverty, the more you reduce criminality.
“Number three is to invest in education. It is critical for basic education.”
He warned that neglecting millions of out-of-school children would worsen the nation’s long-term security challenge.
Obi stated, “A child that is five years old or 10 years old today that you did not educate will become a terrorist and a problem to you in 20 years’ time. Invest in him now that you have the opportunity.”
Obi also took aim at corruption within the political class. He said, “All these people moving around stealing public funds, they don’t need it. They are only bringing headaches to your life.”
He stated that Trump’s remarks represented an opportunity Nigeria should not dismiss, adding, “That is my reaction to Trump. For me, it is a welcome speech that I would have been begging him…”
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