Tinubu: Borrowing not cancer, leprosy – Presidency fires back at Peter Obi
Presidency Criticizes Obi’s Remarks on Foreign Loans
The presidency has responded to comments by Peter Obi, a leader in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), regarding President Bola Tinubu’s government’s foreign borrowing practices.
In a social media post, Obi likened the administration’s approach to borrowing to “leprosy” and “cancer,” expressing concern that loans are being utilized for personal benefit rather than for economic development. Obi stated, “Mr. President, borrowing money is not just a problem, but a serious issue when it’s done for personal use instead of helping create jobs and grow the economy, which is happening in Nigeria right now.”
Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson for President Tinubu, defended the government’s actions, stating that borrowing is a common practice among sovereign nations. “Mr. Peter Obi, you’re bringing up the same old arguments again with your sensationalist approach,” Onanuga remarked in response. He emphasized that the loans are allocated for vital infrastructure projects rather than everyday expenses.
Onanuga further asserted that the government’s ability to secure loans indicates the nation’s reliability as a borrower, adding, “As a politician, you need to go beyond basic thinking and deal with today’s problems using calm reasoning, not by reacting with strong emotions on the streets or online.”
