Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has once again criticised President Bola Tinubu over his frequent foreign trips, questioning the president’s absence from Nigeria at a time of deep national crises.
In a post shared on his X handle Friday, Obi accused Tinubu of spending too much time abroad, particularly in France, instead of addressing urgent issues at home.
“From all indications, our President is not finding his home in Nigeria conducive for a long stay, and it should be concerning to us. Just yesterday, for the umpteenth time, Mr. President waved the nation goodbye again, barely 6 days after his return to Nigeria, after he spent 15 whole days for just a five-day engagement. He is now heading for about his 10th trip to France in two years, this time for his annual holiday. It does look like Mr. President is running away from Nigeria at every slight opportunity,” Obi wrote.
The former Anambra governor expressed dismay that Tinubu has spent a large portion of his two years in office away from the country while Nigerians grapple with worsening hunger, insecurity, and poor living conditions.
Obi pointed out that nearly 180 million Nigerians face food insecurity, while the country has been ranked the worst place to give birth and one of the least livable nations globally. He also cited the killings and kidnappings in Katsina during Tinubu’s recent trip, as well as the Niger State boat mishap that claimed 60 lives.
“One would have expected that the president would at least visit one of these states when he arrived 6 days ago. Or at least visit Niger State where just yesterday, 60 of our citizens, women and young children, died in a boat mishap with many more still missing. What would it have taken the president to take a less than 30-minute trip to Niger State from Abuja in his jet? Mr. President could have, at least, visited the grieving families in Niger before jetting off again,” Obi stated.
He questioned Tinubu’s compassion and leadership, insisting that no holiday should be more important than the lives of Nigerians.
“No holiday is more important than the Nigerian lives you swore to protect. At a time when Nigerians need leadership, empathy, and presence, a President should not choose foreign holidays. True leadership is about sacrifice and the ability to improve healthcare, invest in quality education, pull millions out of poverty, and guarantee the security of every citizen. A New Nigeria is POssible.”