Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for his frequent foreign trips, questioning the president’s prolonged absence during a period of severe national challenges
In a post on his X handle Friday, Obi highlighted Tinubu’s repeated travels abroad, particularly to France, suggesting that the president is neglecting urgent matters 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 six days after his return to Nigeria, after spending 15 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 concern that much of Tinubu’s two years in office has been spent abroad while Nigerians continue to face worsening hunger, insecurity, and poor living conditions.
Obi noted that nearly 180 million Nigerians are food insecure, and the country has been ranked the worst place to give birth and among the least livable nations worldwide. He also referenced recent tragedies, including killings and kidnappings in Katsina and the Niger State boat disaster that claimed 60 lives.
“One would have expected that the president would at least visit one of these states when he arrived six 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 empathy and leadership, stressing that no holiday should take precedence over the welfare 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.”
