A House of Representatives candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has backed Peter Obi’s call for Nigerian leaders to spend their vacations within the country, describing the proposal as a broader question about leadership and confidence in Nigeria.
Chukwu, the NDC candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, said Obi’s position should be considered beyond party politics, arguing that the choices made by political leaders can influence how citizens and investors perceive the country.
In a statement titled “Leadership Must Rediscover Nigeria,” Chukwu questioned why Nigerian leaders should routinely travel abroad for holidays and relaxation while urging citizens to believe in and invest in the Nigerian economy.
According to him, keeping presidential vacations within Nigeria could provide direct economic benefits to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transport operators, farmers, artisans and small enterprises.
He said destinations such as Obudu, Yankari, Lagos, Enugu, Ebonyi, Plateau and Akwa Ibom could benefit from increased patronage if senior political leaders chose to holiday there.
Chukwu also highlighted what he described as a security dimension to the proposal, arguing that a president who comfortably travels to different parts of Nigeria for leisure would send a message of confidence in the safety of those locations.
He maintained that the issue should not be viewed solely through the lens of Peter Obi or partisan politics, but as an opportunity to promote a different culture of leadership.
“If we truly want Nigerians to believe in Nigeria, those who lead Nigeria must demonstrate that belief themselves,” Chukwu said.
He added that leadership should begin with personal example, stressing that Nigerians would be more encouraged to patronise local businesses and destinations when their leaders demonstrate similar confidence in the country.
Chukwu concluded with the familiar maxim: “Charity, they say, begins at home.”
