Reactions Over GEJ's Assessment Of Buhari's Poor Performance

The Peoples Democratic Party, the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, and the African Democratic Congress have backed ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s assertion that Nigeria is now a laughing stock in the international community under the watch of President Buhari.

The PDP, Afenifere and the ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo-backed ADC, in separate interviews with Punch, said the international perception of Nigeria had been negative since the assumption of office of President Buhari.

Jonathan had, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Friday, said he was ashamed that Nigeria was being used as a negative example in the international community.

He cited recent instances where the Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, mocked the poor state of security in Nigeria and the naira’s weakening status.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiya, also said the former President’s comment about Nigeria’s reality could not be ignored.

He said, “This All Progressives Congress-led administration has proved to be the cog in the wheel of our collective quest for national unity, cohesion and economic growth.”

Speaking with Punch on Saturday, the Chairman of the ADC, Chief Okey Nwosu, said Jonathan’s statement was accurate.

Nwosu said even President Buhari had admitted that he was impotent when he revealed that the Inspector-General of Police flouted a presidential order to relocate to Benue State and there was no repercussion.

Afenifere, in its comments by its spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, said Jonathan merely stated the obvious, noting that the nation had degenerated in the past two years.

He said, “Clearly, the level of violence, barbarism and killings has made Nigeria a laughing stock by the international community. A situation where those being killed are asked to go and live peacefully with their neighbours calls for concern and worry.”