Peter Obi Criticizes Tinubu and Shettima’s Foreign Trips Amid Domestic Challenges

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the recent foreign trips made by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Peter Obi, expressing his concerns through a post on his social media platform X, questioned the timing and necessity of the trips, given the pressing domestic challenges facing Nigeria.

Tinubu departed for a two-week working leave in the United Kingdom on October 2, 2024, which extended into a subsequent trip to France for an undisclosed “important engagement.” Shettima, on the other hand, left Abuja for Sweden on a two-day official visit to represent Nigeria in bilateral engagements. Peter Obi emphasized that, with both leaders away, the government is leaving the country without its primary leaders during a period of severe economic hardship and widespread hunger.

Tinubu’s Extended Absence Raises Concerns

Peter Obi highlighted that President Tinubu had committed to a 14-day absence but extended his trip beyond the promised period, leaving citizens in limbo. Peter Obi’s remarks come at a time when many Nigerians are struggling under the weight of economic policies introduced by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the weakening of the naira. Peter Obi argued that Nigeria is in desperate need of decisive leadership at home to address these challenges.

He further pointed out that the President’s absence shows a disconnect from the urgent issues plaguing Nigeria. “One would have expected him to return earlier than expected, considering the volume of work that needs to be done in a troubled nation like ours,” Peter Obi said. He urged Tinubu to prioritize the welfare of citizens, especially when the administration’s policies have compounded the economic struggles of the people.

Shettima’s Trip to Sweden Questioned by Peter Obi

Peter Obi also criticized the Vice President’s trip to Sweden, questioning the necessity of sending Shettima on such a long journey when Tinubu was already in Europe. According to Peter Obi, with France being only 833 nautical miles from Sweden, Tinubu could have attended the event in Sweden himself, saving valuable time and resources. He pointed out that Shettima’s journey from Nigeria to Sweden was considerably longer and more expensive, adding further strain on Nigeria’s already limited financial resources.

Obi called this decision a lack of “fiscal responsibility and common sense” at a time when millions of Nigerians are facing severe poverty. He stressed that government leaders should show “true and committed leadership” by making choices that prioritize the nation’s wellbeing and alleviate the suffering of citizens.

Presidency Defends Absence of Leaders

Despite Peter Obi’s criticisms, the Presidency has defended the foreign trips, asserting that the absence of both Tinubu and Shettima does not leave a vacuum in Nigeria’s leadership. Presidential spokespersons have reassured the public that both leaders remain fully engaged with national affairs even while they are abroad, leveraging technology to stay connected to ongoing developments.

However, Peter Obi remains unconvinced, stating that the nature of Nigeria’s economic and social crises requires a more hands-on approach. “This is the time to show true and committed leadership,” Peter Obi reiterated, urging the administration to prioritize the needs of the people above all else. Peter Obi; called on the government to manage the nation’s scarce resources wisely, especially as the country battles severe inflation, unemployment, and widespread poverty.

This marks the second time both Tinubu and Shettima have been absent from the country simultaneously. Similar absences occurred in April and May 2024, sparking concerns about the administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s growing domestic problems. With both leaders away during a time of such urgent need, many Nigerians are left questioning the government’s ability to provide effective leadership.