Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has come out swinging against Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer, Peter Obi, accusing him of spreading false narratives about Nigeria’s debt profile. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, July 9, Omokri warned that Obi’s misleading claims are not only damaging Nigeria’s image but also pushing foreign investors away.
Omokri stated that Obi’s assertion—that President Bola Tinubu has borrowed more than the past three administrations combined—is a “blatant lie.” Citing official figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO), Omokri revealed that Nigeria’s debt stood at $113 billion when Buhari left office, but has now dropped to $97 billion under Tinubu—marking a $14 billion reduction.
He accused Obi of deliberately converting debt figures to naira in order to sensationalize the numbers and deceive Nigerians. “Foreign investors tune in to these programs. When they hear such exaggerated figures, they lose confidence. Some are even planning to pull out,” Omokri emphasized.
He urged Nigerians to give credit where it’s due and commended President Tinubu for managing to reduce external debt amidst economic challenges.
