No more corruption? Tinubu’s Brazil remark sparks backlash as Sowore slams the president, calling his claim misleading and a lie to Nigerians.
Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has lambasted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over a controversial statement he made in Brazil, where he claimed that his administration has successfully stamped out corruption in Nigeria.
President Tinubu, who is currently on an official visit to Brazil, met with top Brazilian business leaders and investors on Monday.
During the meeting, he sought to reassure the foreign audience that Nigeria’s economy was on a steady path of recovery following his administration’s reforms.
According to Tinubu, the policies he introduced since taking office in May 2023 have been “impactful” and are gradually bearing fruit.
He insisted that the reforms, although initially painful for citizens, have eliminated corruption within government institutions while freeing up more resources to grow the economy.
“The reforms I’ve embarked upon since I took over in Nigeria have been very impactful. I can beat my chest for that. It was initially painful, but today the result is blossoming.
“It’s getting clearer to the people. We have more money for the economy… no more corruption,” Tinubu told his Brazilian hosts.
The president went further to boast that his administration’s policies had created a new culture of accountability.
“It’s getting clearer to the people. We have more money for the economy, and no more corruption,” Tinubu declared confidently.
Tinubu’s remarks have since stirred heated reactions at home, with many Nigerians describing his comments as far removed from the realities on ground.
Critics argue that corruption continues to thrive in public institutions, with multiple reports of financial mismanagement, abuse of office, and lack of transparency under his government.
Social media users also joined the debate, faulting the president for painting a “false image” of Nigeria before foreign investors while citizens grapple with worsening poverty, inflation, and unemployment.
Among those who fired back was activist Omoyele Sowore, who issued a blistering response on his official Facebook page.
Sharing a clip of Tinubu’s comments in Brazil, Sowore accused the president of deceiving Nigerians and the international community.
“This criminal actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!” Sowore wrote.
In a more scathing remark, the activist mocked Tinubu, alleging that the president must have been under the influence to make such a claim.
“The president must be sniffing to think he has ended corruption in Nigeria when he is the leader of corruption and terrorism in the country.
“Tell the president to stop sniffing,” he said.
Sowore also seized the opportunity to comment on another trending issue — the agitation by some Nigerian politicians for a pay rise.
According to him, public office holders do not deserve higher salaries, as their performance has done little to justify the perks they already enjoy.
“What is their job that makes them deserve an increase in salary? It is entitlement that must end in the country,” Sowore asserted.
Critics argue that corruption remains one of the country’s biggest challenges, citing ongoing scandals in public procurement, revenue collection, and project execution.
For Sowore, however, Tinubu’s statement is not just misleading but a deliberate attempt to whitewash governance failures and mislead the global community.
The activist vowed to continue exposing what he described as “lies and deceit” from the government until Nigerians experience genuine accountability and transparency.