Obidients Slam Sanwo-Olu for Criticising Obi’s US Remarks

Supporters of former presidential candidate Peter Obi have launched a fierce online counter-attack against Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who criticised Obi’s remarks about Nigeria during a recent visit to Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement released on Sunday, labelled Obi’s statements as “uncharitable” and unbecoming of a leader, accusing Obi of having little to show for his eight years as governor of Anambra State, citing increased poverty levels as the primary reason.

He argued that Obi lacked moral authority to criticise President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

However, Obi’s devoted online followers, known as “Obidients,” quickly reacted with a barrage of criticism directed at Sanwo-Olu, frequently referring to him as “Tinubu’s apprentice” and using other disparaging terms.

Facebook user Uzozie Johnson commented, “We are not surprised. This is how you evil APC politicians attacked Davido after he spoke the truth about this country. You despise hearing the truth, but it must be told,” implying a pattern of suppressing dissenting voices within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

On X, formerly Twitter, @UchePOkoye, identifying as “Anambra’s first son,” launched a scathing attack, dismissing Sanwo-Olu as a “transient placeholder” unqualified to participate in serious national political discourse, and alleging the governor’s subservience to a political “cartel.”

Another X user, @TheHolyman_, sarcastically questioned Sanwo-Olu’s role, asking if he was now serving as President Tinubu’s spokesperson. “There are people paid to do that already,” the user wrote, adding, “Moreover, this discussion is far above Your Excellency Sir. Respectfully.”

Adding to the online outrage, @ugo_himself, referring to Sanwo-Olu, reminded him of the contentious handling of the #EndSARS protests, specifically the Lekki Tollgate incident. “We will never forget that under your regime, unknown soldiers killed unarmed protesters at Lekki Tollgate,” they tweeted.

Ijere Thomas Chukwuma, Ph.D. (@chucksijere), simply advised Sanwo-Olu to “take it easy,” referring to a video in which Sanwo-Olu’s predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode, made critical remarks about him.

@_nonconformist1 echoed the sentiment, saying, “When Obi was governor, you still dey serve tea for Bourdillon inside Remi’s bedroom….” “Shut up when men are talking; you have no reach!”

Sanwo-Olu’s initial statement emphasised the importance of projecting a positive image of Nigeria abroad, alleging that Obi had “de-marketed” the country.

He defended President Tinubu’s economic policies, emphasising his record of poverty reduction as governor of Lagos State.

He also questioned Obi’s performance as Anambra governor, citing statistics showing an increase in the poverty rate during his tenure. He stated:

“Poverty in Anambra increased during Peter Obi’s two-term governorship.Before Peter Obi took office as governor of Anambra on Thursday, June 14, 2007, the state’s poverty rate stood at 41.4%.

However, after only two years in office, Anambra’s poverty rate rose to 53.7%. Sanwo-Olu concluded by stating that President Tinubu had lifted millions out of poverty, and questioned Obi’s moral standing to criticise the government’s initiatives.

Attempts to contact Peter Obi for comment were unsuccessful. His media aide, Umar Ibrahim, promised feedback but did not respond by press time.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Director-General of the Obedient Movement Worldwide, announced that a formal response to Sanwo-Olu’s remarks would be issued today, Tuesday.