Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has launched a scathing attack on ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing him as a "manipulative liar" who deceives Nigerians with fabricated figures.

In a statement posted on social media platform X on Friday, Omokri accused Obi of "playing Yahoo Plus" on Nigerians by exploiting their ignorance of facts, particularly regarding President Bola Tinubu's borrowing record.

Omokri's comments came in response to Obi's Democracy Day address, where the former Anambra governor claimed that President Tinubu's administration has borrowed more than previous governments.

Naira Devaluation Context

"Yesterday, during his Democracy Day address, Peter Obi, ever the manipulator, used the Naira equivalent of our total public debt to deceive Nigerians and make it seem as though President Bola Tinubu had increased our debt. Actually, Peter Obi lied, and when he lies, he speaks his native language," Omokri wrote.

The former presidential aide explained that while Nigeria's debt appears higher in Naira terms, this is primarily due to currency devaluation following the Tinubu administration's decision to float the Naira and withdraw the $1.5 billion previously used monthly to subsidize the currency under the Buhari regime.

"Yes, in Naira terms, our total public debt looks as if it has increased. That is because the floatation of the Naira by President Bola Tinubu and the withdrawal of the $1.5 billion used to subsidise the Naira monthly by the Buhari regime made the Naira drop from between N450 to N550 to $1, to about N1565 today," Omokri explained.

He further alleged that Obi was aware of these economic realities but chose to manipulate the figures to mislead Nigerians.

"Peter Obi knows this. But he is a liar and manipulator, who counts on your ignorance of the fact to play Yahoo Plus on you," he added.

This exchange adds to the ongoing political tensions between supporters of the current administration and opposition figures as Nigeria continues to navigate economic challenges.

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