Peter Obi
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate and Labour Party chieftain, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s planned 12-day trip to Japan and Brazil, describing it as insensitive and ill-timed given Nigeria’s worsening security and economic crisis. Obi believes Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips show indifference to the suffering of Nigerians, who are grappling with insecurity, economic hardship, and hunger. He questions the necessity of the trip, especially since Tinubu recently visited Brazil and met with the President.
Obi urges Tinubu to prioritize domestic issues and visit troubled regions within Nigeria, where citizens are bearing the brunt of insecurity and economic hardship. He suggests that the President’s energy should be directed at resolving the country’s problems rather than attending foreign conferences that contribute little to no tangible value. Tinubu’s prolonged absences from the country have also been criticized, with Obi pointing out that the President’s itinerary doesn’t specify a return date.
Obi recommends that the trip be shortened to 5 days, as the event in Japan doesn’t start until August 20. He calls on Tinubu to embark on nationwide tours to understand the plight of Nigerians and take decisive action to alleviate their suffering. Obi emphasizes that Nigeria needs competent leadership with capacity and compassion to address its problems.
The President’s focus, according to Obi, should be on ensuring the security of lives and properties, economic stability, and providing food for Nigerians. He believes that Tinubu’s trips should be more within troubled states and communities, spending time on the ground, and taking action to address the people’s suffering. Overall, Obi’s criticism underscores the need for the President to prioritize Nigeria’s domestic challenges and be more responsive to the needs of its citizens
