Thursday, July 9, 2026

Unlike Obasanjo, Buhari more liberal: Ngige

Chris Ngige says President Muhammadu Buhari is a liberal leader who accepts criticisms, unlike former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

• June 15, 2021
Obasanjo and Buhari
Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo and President Muhammadu Buhari

Minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige, says President Muhammadu Buhari is a liberal leader who accepts criticisms, unlike former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Speaking on Channels TV, Mr Ngige said the president, who has faced backlashes for nepotism, corruption, worsening insecurity, and economy, has fulfilled his promises and deserves accolades from Nigerians.

The minister believes that Mr Buhari has been tolerant despite being under heavy criticism that trails the administration’s incompetence in tackling issues.

Mr Ngige stressed that Mr Obasanjo, who was the president between 1999 and 2007, would not grant Nigerians their fundamental rights.

“Can President Obasanjo give you people the latitude? He will not grant you, people, that. So, this president (Buhari) is a willing horse, and you people (Nigerians) want to ride him to death,” Mr Ngige said.

“There must be a limit to politicking. If a government has done well, if a person has done well, give him accolades. In the areas he has not done well, point them out and discuss,” he added.

According to the former Anambra governor, Mr Buhari is leading the country according to the constitution.

“This president is a democrat, and he is so afraid of breaching the constitution or any law; he is so afraid of it. I’m even stronger than him in terms of that.

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