Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday defended his administration’s economic policies and criticised Nigerian economists who questioned claims that Nigeria had become Africa’s largest economy following the rebasing exercise.
Speaking during a presidential campaign rally in Ilorin, Kwara State, Jonathan challenged critics to provide concrete evidence to counter the government’s position on the economy.
According to him, the rebasing of the economy, which placed Nigeria ahead of other African countries economically at the time, was achieved through deliberate collaboration with the private sector.
“The economy you all know has become the largest in Africa after the rebasing. It was not by chance; we worked with the private sector,” Jonathan said.
He also referenced positive remarks from international organisations and global media platforms, including CNN, saying their recognition of Nigeria’s economic growth validated the government’s efforts.
Jonathan questioned why some local economists continued to dispute the figures, asking whether they considered themselves more knowledgeable than experts at institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
“Who is the economist in Nigeria that can tell me he is superior to the economists in the World Bank or IMF?” he asked.
The former president urged Nigerians not to be misled by criticism, insisting that his administration remained committed to moving the country forward.
Jonathan also used the occasion to highlight what he described as his government’s respect for democracy and the rule of law.
He pointed to the signing of the Freedom of Information Bill as evidence of his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and freedom of expression.
“We don’t want to run a government by intimidation. Nigeria is not a zoological garden or a forest where people live in fear,” he said.
He added that every Nigerian should be free to express themselves and pursue their ambitions without intimidation or oppression.
