Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their absence from Nigeria, calling their lack of presence “concerning” in light of the country’s pressing domestic challenges.
In a statement on his verified Facebook page on Friday, Obi remarked, “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, it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.”
The former Anambra State governor emphasized the urgency of leadership in a nation grappling with significant issues.
“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,” Obi stated, expressing disappointment that the President has not returned as expected.
Highlighting the challenges facing Nigerians, Obi noted, “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.”
Obi also questioned the decision to delegate the Vice President to represent Tinubu at a two-day working visit to Sweden while the President was reportedly in Paris, France.
“One wonders why he did not just attend the two-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 two hours,” Obi argued, emphasizing the logistical inefficiencies of the current administration.
He pointed out that the Vice President’s journey from Abuja to Stockholm, approximately 3,055 nautical miles and over nine hours of travel time, contrasted sharply with the short distance from Paris to Stockholm.
“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,” he added.
Obi concluded by calling for a leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the citizens and efficiently manages the nation’s scarce resources.
“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,” he asserted, urging for a shift in governance that reflects the needs of the populace.