Bode George Knocks Okonjo-Iweala Over Praise Of Tinubu’s Economic Policies
A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has faulted the commendation given by the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to President Bola Tinubu over his handling of the nation’s economy.
George, speaking on a radio programme, Let’s Talk on Nigeria Info, on Monday, described the WTO boss’s recent praise of the President’s economic reforms as “arrant nonsense”, insisting that her remarks do not reflect the grim realities ordinary Nigerians are grappling with.
According to the PDP stalwart, Okonjo-Iweala, who resides abroad, cannot possibly appreciate the extent of hunger, anger and frustration in the country.
He said, “She lives in New York. That is not the picture she is seeing. Let her come here and get the feelings of the people. There is plenty of anger in Nigeria. Our people are suffering.”
George maintained that it was insensitive to shower encomiums on the Tinubu administration at a time when many households could hardly afford food, transportation, and other essentials.
“There is hunger in the land. Nigerians are battling to feed, and this is the time to speak the truth, not to flatter those in power,” he stressed.
He further argued that economists, unlike physical scientists, often make assessments based on theoretical projections which do not tally with real-life conditions.
“Economists are social scientists, not physical scientists like us. They can sit abroad and make projections, but it does not reflect the pain on the streets of Nigeria,” he added.
The elder statesman noted that what Nigerians desire is not foreign validation but good governance that ensures equity and justice in the distribution of resources.
“This country is so blessed. There is no village you will visit in Nigeria that is not endowed with one natural resource or the other. What we want here is a fair government that works for the people,” he said.
George declared that commending Tinubu’s economic management in the face of escalating inflation and volatile markets was akin to ignoring the suffering of millions.
He dismissed Okonjo-Iweala as being “out of touch with the Nigerian reality”, insisting that her position in Geneva or New York disqualified her from making pronouncements on the hardships of citizens.
“Mrs World Trade Organisation should remain there if she cannot feel the hardship in Nigeria. Nigerians do not need external praises; they need relief from suffering,” he thundered.
The PDP chieftain’s comments mirror the growing frustration across the country, where protests have erupted in recent months over high living costs, food scarcity, and worsening insecurity.
Civil society organisations and labour unions have repeatedly cautioned that the deepening hardship could fuel widespread unrest if urgent measures are not taken.
While Okonjo-Iweala recently applauded Tinubu’s reforms, including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, as “difficult but necessary”, George countered that the pain inflicted on citizens had become unbearable without adequate safety nets.
He urged the administration to prioritise policies that directly impact living standards instead of seeking applause from international institutions.
“Nigeria is a land of abundance. God has blessed this nation in every corner, but our people are hurting because of bad governance. We don’t need commendation from abroad; what we need is a government that cares about its citizens,” George concluded.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
