Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for spending what he described as “too much time abroad,” saying the President appears to be avoiding the country at a time of worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
In a statement on Friday, Obi expressed concern that Tinubu embarked on yet another trip to France for his annual holiday, barely six days after returning from a 15-day foreign engagement.
“It does look like Mr. President is running away from Nigeria at every slight opportunity,” Obi said, questioning why so much of Tinubu’s two years in office has been spent outside the country.
He noted that at least 79% of Nigerians are facing food insecurity, while the country was recently ranked the worst place to give birth and one of the worst places to live globally.
Obi also cited recent tragedies, including the killing of over 50 people in Katsina State during mosque and village attacks, and the death of about 60 people in a boat mishap in Niger State.
“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 asked.
He stressed that no holiday is more important than the lives of Nigerians, urging Tinubu to show compassion and take responsibility.
“At a time when Nigerians need leadership, empathy and presence, a President should not choose foreign holidays. True leadership is about sacrifice,” Obi said, adding that a “new Nigeria is possible.”
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