Onanuga Will Pay For Insulting Obasanjo, He’s Old Enough To Be His Father – Bode George

Bode George, a former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized Bayo Onanuga, a presidential spokesperson, for making disparaging remarks about former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obasanjo had recently spoken at the Chinua Achebe leadership forum at Yale University on November 16, where he described the 2023 general elections in Nigeria as a “travesty.”

He expressed concerns about Nigeria’s struggles, attributing them to issues like corruption, poor leadership, and a lack of moral values, which he believes have led to insecurity and underdevelopment in the country.

During his speech, Obasanjo labeled the leadership styles of past and present administrations as ineffective, referring to them with terms like “Baba-go-slow” and “Emilokan.”

The latter phrase, which means “It’s my turn,” became prominent during President Bola Tinubu’s election campaign.

Obasanjo also called for reforms in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), suggesting the need for new, credible leadership with shorter terms to curb corruption and restore public trust.

Onanuga Fires Back

Responding to Obasanjo’s remarks, Onanuga accused the former president of hypocrisy, stating that he had presided over what is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most fraudulent election.

He also claimed that Obasanjo left numerous unresolved challenges during his tenure and had a habit of publicly criticizing subsequent administrations instead of reflecting on his own leadership flaws.

Onanuga highlighted that Umaru Yar’Adua, who succeeded Obasanjo, openly admitted to the flaws in the 2007 elections and worked toward electoral reforms based on recommendations from Justice Muhammed Uwais’s panel.

He added that Obasanjo’s era only benefited from high crude oil prices, which boosted Nigeria’s fiscal and monetary policies but ultimately left the country ill-prepared for economic challenges when oil prices began to decline in 2014.

According to him, the economic struggles faced by the All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations since 2015 stem from poor decisions made during Obasanjo’s leadership and that of his successors from the PDP.

George Defends Obasanjo

In a recent interview with Nigeria Info FM, George condemned Onanuga’s comments, emphasizing that Yoruba culture strictly forbids insulting elders.

The former PDP national chairman criticized Bayo Onanuga for his disrespectful tone, noting that Obasanjo is old enough to be his father.

Bode George recalled a previous instance where Onanuga had disrespected him and suggested that the spokesperson has a habit of attacking people who express differing opinions.

According to him, even if Onanuga disagreed with Obasanjo, Yoruba traditions require respectful dialogue, not insults.

He warned that Onanuga would eventually face the consequences of his actions, stating, “There’s always a day after, and that’s what matters.”

George said, “An old man who could be Bayo Onanuga’s father said something, and you took him on by blasting him right, left, and centre.

“That is his style because he did it to me before; he didn’t meet me at Ijebu Ode Grammar School.

“You can see how small he is when comparing himself to us; people give their opinion, and you insult them.

“Even if you want to react, the Yoruba culture does not allow that insult from him.

“Someday he would pay back, because there would be a day after, and that’s more important. He should be vigilant as he walks because it’s possible for him.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Bayo Onanuga recently expressed optimism that Nigerians will soon experience positive changes under this administration.