The Presidency has dismissed a comparison between Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, criticized the comparison as both amusing and insulting, asserting that Obi lacks the leadership credentials and developmental record to be likened to the renowned Asian leader.
The remark originated from a social media user, Alex Onyia, who suggested that “Peter Obi is like Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore,” claiming that leaders like him appear once in a generation. Reacting to this on his verified social media account, Onanuga found the comparison laughable and a disservice to Nigerians.
“How can anyone in his right senses compare Peter Obi with the late Singaporean leader, Lee Kuan Yew?” Onanuga questioned, emphasizing that Obi did not demonstrate any clear vision or achievements during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
He further stated, “Peter Obi was not an exemplary governor. He didn’t show any vision of development… He left Awka, the capital, worse than he met it.” Onanuga urged Onyia to retract his statement, declaring it an insult to Nigerians.
Lee Kuan Yew, who served as Singapore’s Prime Minister from 1959 to 1990, is credited with transforming Singapore into a global financial hub through rapid industrialization, efficient governance, and sweeping reforms.
