Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Frequent Foreign Trips Amid National Crisis

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s frequent international travels, accusing him of showing “insensitivity” to Nigeria’s worsening economic and security situation.

In a statement on Wednesday, Obi condemned the President’s planned 12-day trip to Japan and Brazil, with a stopover in Dubai, saying it comes at a time when the country is “bleeding” under severe hardship.

“How can anyone explain that a President who came from Brazil recently is returning to the same country, leaving the various degrees of challenges at home unresolved?” Obi queried, noting that Tinubu often departs “several days before the events he’s invited to,” unlike other world leaders who limit their time away.

The former Anambra governor argued that the President’s presence was needed in Nigeria’s “troubled states and communities” rather than at overseas conferences that “contribute little or no tangible value” to addressing insecurity, economic instability, and hunger.

Obi cited Tinubu’s recent week-long state visit to St. Lucia before attending the BRICS Summit where Nigeria was an observer as an example of “unnecessary absences.” He urged the President to shorten the Japan-Brazil trip to no more than five days, since the TICAD9 conference in Yokohama only begins on August 20.

“What our nation needs now is security of lives and properties, economic stability, and ensuring that our people have food on their table,” Obi stated. “Mr. President must know that he’s not a tourist, but the Chief Executive of a troubled nation.”

He called on Tinubu to embark on nationwide tours with the same enthusiasm he shows for foreign trips, to “see, listen, and learn” from Nigerians directly.

“A new Nigeria is possible,” Obi concluded.