Musiliu Obanikoro commends President Bola Tinubu’s governance, urging Nigerians to support his vision for unity, development, and security
Former Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his governance, describing it as balanced and forward-looking for Nigeria.
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Obanikoro, who twice served in the federal cabinet and contested the 2007 Lagos State gubernatorial election, spoke in an exclusive interview in Lagos on Monday.
Obanikoro, popularly known as Koro-Ibo during his political campaigns, praised the President’s approach to national leadership, highlighting Tinubu’s ability to manage Nigeria’s complex religious, ethnic, and political diversity.
“With the benefit of hindsight, everybody can see that Asiwaju has led a very balanced government,” he said.
The former minister defended the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos, established by Tinubu, describing it as a vital body that provides wisdom and experience to avert unnecessary crises.
Obanikoro noted that perceptions of the council as a “rubber stamp” were misinformed, attributing criticism to undue ambition and lack of understanding of the body’s purpose.
Discussing party defections and political alignments, Obanikoro observed that many Nigerians were gravitating toward the All Progressives Congress (APC) because of the visible achievements under Tinubu’s administration.
“There is something positive which President Tinubu is doing and which the people are seeing,” he said, stressing that the APC continues to reinvent itself and deliver dividends of democracy.
On national security, Obanikoro acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly terrorism and kidnapping, but emphasised that the situation is surmountable.
He urged citizens and authorities to provide genuine intelligence and confront internal fifth columnists undermining efforts to restore peace.
“If our brothers and sisters rise up and confront this challenge head-on without paying lip service, I believe we can overcome it,” he added.
Obanikoro also addressed Nigeria’s economic trajectory, noting the current administration’s efforts to stabilise foreign reserves and manage debts responsibly.
He argued that while the nation faces historic neglect and complex problems, the measures being implemented are akin to a necessary “shock” to revive the country and propel it toward prosperity.
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He concluded by expressing confidence in Tinubu’s strategic vision, insisting that with continued support from Nigerians, the country can achieve stability, economic growth, and a place among the world’s leading economies in the next decade.
