PDP Criticizes Tinubu for Honoring Indian PM with GCON

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced strong criticism against President Bola Tinubu’s decision to award Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). The honor was conferred on Modi during the Nigeria-India Bilateral Meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking to The opitanglobamedia, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor condemned the move, calling it a “misplaced priority.” According to Osadolor, national honors should not be awarded solely based on friendship or diplomacy. He expressed concern that the administration was overlooking pressing domestic issues in favor of “distracting theatrics,” arguing that such high honors should be reserved for individuals who have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s development.

The Rationale Behind Tinubu’s Decision

President Tinubu, in his address, justified the conferment as a gesture of appreciation for the enduring partnership between Nigeria and India. The president highlighted India’s democratic achievements and economic growth as inspirational for Nigeria, citing Modi’s consecutive electoral victories in a complex society as exemplary.

Tinubu praised the bilateral relationship between the two nations, emphasizing that the honor symbolized Nigeria’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with India. In response, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the gesture and extended condolences to Nigeria over recent flood disasters. Modi also pledged 20 tonnes of relief materials to assist affected communities and reaffirmed India’s commitment to a strategic partnership, noting areas such as defense, energy, and technology as prime avenues for cooperation.

PDP’s Concerns over Economic Priorities

The PDP expressed disappointment that Tinubu did not seize the opportunity to engage Modi on critical economic strategies that have propelled India’s global success. Osadolor argued that rather than conferring awards, Tinubu should have focused on learning from India’s policies on technology and business development, which have turned the country into a major global tech hub.

Highlighting India’s rapid economic rise and technological advancement, Osadolor questioned why Tinubu’s administration was not leveraging the visit to address Nigeria’s economic challenges. He urged Tinubu to prioritize actionable policies over symbolic gestures, emphasizing that Nigerians need real solutions to poverty, hunger, and unemployment.

APC’s Defense: Fostering Diplomatic Relations

In response to the PDP’s criticisms, the All Progressives Congress (APC) defended Tinubu’s decision, with Deputy National Organising Secretary Nze Chidi Duru arguing that the president acted within his constitutional powers. According to Duru, the conferment of the GCON was legally justified and aligned with the president’s diplomatic prerogatives.

Duru stressed the importance of moving beyond “politics of emotions” and focusing on national progress. He acknowledged the opposition’s role but called on the PDP to adopt a more constructive approach, suggesting that they should instead propose practical strategies for improving Nigeria’s economy and security. He argued that the bilateral relationship with India holds potential for addressing the country’s core issues, which should be the main focus rather than critiques over ceremonial honors.

Experts Highlight Potential Benefits of India-Nigeria Partnership

Adding a global perspective, U.S.-based Nigerian security expert Dr. Sylvester Okere voiced support for enhanced cooperation between India and Nigeria, particularly in the security sector. Okere, who is slated to speak at the 19th Security Leadership Summit in New Delhi, highlighted India’s role in bolstering Nigeria’s security capacity through partnerships with private security firms.

Okere emphasized that Modi’s visit could serve as a catalyst for further collaboration in trade, energy, and education. According to him, India’s private security industry, which is integrated with global organizations, could help Nigeria develop its security infrastructure and generate employment through youth training and placements. He suggested that such partnerships could be pivotal in addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges and fostering economic stability.