ABUJA — Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his frequent travels abroad, saying it portrays the President as uncomfortable staying in Nigeria.
Obi, in a post on X on Friday, faulted Tinubu’s decision to jet off to France on Thursday for his annual holiday — barely six days after returning from a 15-day trip. He noted that the President has visited France at least 10 times in just two years.
“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 said.
The opposition leader expressed dismay that Tinubu left the country at a time when Nigerians are grappling with widespread hunger, escalating insecurity, and worsening living conditions.
He cited reports that 79 per cent of Nigerians are facing food insecurity and reminded that international indices recently ranked Nigeria as the worst country to give birth and among the least livable nations.
Obi also pointed to recent tragedies, including the killing of more than 50 people in Katsina State, the kidnapping of over 60 persons, and a boat accident in Niger State that claimed at least 60 lives, mostly women and children.
According to him, the President should have shown empathy by visiting affected families before embarking on another foreign trip.
“No holiday is more important than the Nigerian lives you swore to protect,” Obi stressed.
“At a time when Nigerians need leadership, empathy, and presence, a President should not choose foreign holidays,” he added.
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