Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has accused Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of spreading false information about Nigeria’s debt profile, warning that such remarks are discouraging foreign investors.
Speaking on Channels television program on Wednesday, July 9, Omokri argued that Obi’s statements were misleading and harmful to Nigeria’s economic image. According to him, some investors currently operating in the country are even considering pulling out due to Obi’s claims.
“He doesn’t rile me up. I rile him up,” Omokri said. “I’m here because I’m a patriot. Peter Obi lied. Foreign investors watch these programs and make decisions based on what they hear. Some are deciding against coming to Nigeria or even planning to leave because of the lies he told.”
Omokri pointed specifically to Obi’s assertion that President Tinubu had borrowed more than the administrations of Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari combined, calling it a “blatant lie.”
Citing data from the Debt Management Office (DMO), Omokri maintained that President Tinubu has actually reduced the country’s external debt since assuming office.
“In 2015, Nigeria owed $63 billion. By the time Buhari left, it was $113 billion. Today, according to the DMO, our debt stands at $97 billion. That means Tinubu has reduced it by over $14 billion,” he said.
Omokri criticized Obi for converting the debts into naira, arguing it was a tactic to exaggerate the figures and mislead Nigerians.
“We should be appreciating Tinubu for this reduction, not spreading falsehoods,” he added.
