Peter Obi slams Tinubu over abroad holidays amid insecurity, hunger
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his excessive foreign travels at a time Nigeria is grappling with worsening economic, social, and security challenges.
In a statement on his X handle on Friday, the former Anambra State governor expressed concern that Tinubu appears increasingly uncomfortable staying in Nigeria, opting instead for intermittent trips abroad, particularly to France.
“From all indications, our President is not finding his home in Nigeria conducive for a long stay, and it should be concerning to us,” Obi wrote.
He lamented that Tinubu embarked on another foreign holiday barely six days after returning from a 15-day trip for what was officially described as a five-day engagement. According to Obi, this marks the president’s 10th visit to France in two years.
“It does look like Mr. President is running away from Nigeria at every slight opportunity. And one would wonder why so much of his two years in office has been spent on holidays or away from the very country he was elected to preside over,” Obi said.
The LP flagbearer linked the president’s absence to the failure to address critical issues such as food insecurity, poverty, insecurity, and healthcare. He cited recent tragedies including the killing of over 50 people in a mosque and village attack in Katsina, the abduction of dozens by bandits, and a boat mishap in Niger State that claimed at least 60 lives.
“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 urged Tinubu to show empathy and demonstrate leadership by prioritising Nigerian lives above foreign holidays.
“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,” he said.
Obi concluded by stressing that true leadership demands sacrifice, investments in healthcare and education, poverty reduction, and security for every citizen, reiterating his belief that “A New Nigeria is POssible.”