The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has taken a strong stance against President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for being out of the country simultaneously. Obi raised concerns over their absence, particularly at a time when Nigeria is grappling with numerous internal challenges.
In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, Obi expressed skepticism regarding the presidency’s claim that there is no leadership vacuum despite both leaders being abroad. He questioned the rationale behind their absence and pointed out the pressing need for their presence to address the country’s problems, particularly those caused by the administration’s harsh economic policies.
Obi stated, “While it is arguable that with the President and Vice President absent from the Villa, there is no vacancy in the Presidency, in a situation where both the President and Vice President are out of the country, as reported in the media yesterday, it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.”
He also highlighted that President Tinubu’s promised two-week absence had already extended beyond the stipulated time, and Nigerians are waiting for his return. “The President had told us he would only be gone for 14 days. The 14 days have passed now, and we are waiting to see him in the country. 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.”
Obi emphasized the urgency of addressing the suffering caused by some of the administration’s economic policies. He stressed the need for Tinubu’s leadership in helping navigate the country through this period of hardship. “The untold hardship that has been unleashed on our people as a result of some of his administration’s policies is unimaginable, and we need his urgent attention to pilot the nation out of this present situation.”
The former Anambra State Governor also questioned the fiscal responsibility of sending Vice President Shettima to Sweden, arguing that Tinubu could have made the trip himself since he was already in France, just a short distance from Sweden. Obi criticized this decision, calling it wasteful at a time when Nigeria is dealing with scarce resources.
“Again, since the President is reportedly in Paris, France, which is just about 833 nautical miles from Stockholm, Sweden, one wonders why he did not just attend the 2-day working visit to Sweden. He could simply have done it on his way back from France with his new powerful jet, which would have taken him a little over 2 hours.”
Obi continued, “This would have saved time and the very scarce national resources we need critically at this time. Instead, he delegated the Vice President, who needed to travel 3055 nautical miles, over nine hours, and (about 4 times the travel time from Paris) Abuja, Nigeria, to Stockholm, Sweden, to represent him at the event. This does not represent the kind of fiscal responsibility and common sense that is expected of leaders whose people are facing severe hunger and poverty.”
Obi called for responsible leadership, urging Nigerian leaders to make decisions that prioritize the well-being of the citizens, especially during such challenging times. He concluded by reiterating his belief in the possibility of a better Nigeria.
“This is the time to show true and committed leadership to the people by making decisions that prioritize the well-being of the people and effective management of the nation’s scarce resources in alleviating the sufferings of the people. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO”
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Peter Obi, Bola Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, Nigerian Politics, Presidential Leadership
