“No Holiday Is More Important Than Nigerian Lives” – Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Frequent Foreign Trips

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has again criticised President Bola Tinubu over his frequent foreign trips, questioning his absence from Nigeria during a period of deep national crises.

In a post on his X handle Friday, Obi highlighted Tinubu’s repeated travels abroad, particularly to France, arguing that the president has spent too much time away from urgent domestic issues.

“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, following a 15-day trip meant 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 criticised Tinubu for spending a large portion of his two years in office abroad while Nigerians face worsening hunger, insecurity, and poor living conditions.

Obi pointed out that nearly 180 million Nigerians are food insecure, and the country was recently ranked the worst place to give birth and one of the least livable nations globally. He also cited recent tragedies, including killings and kidnappings in Katsina State and a 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 six days ago, or at least visit Niger State where 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, emphasising that no holiday is more important than Nigerian lives.

“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.”