The Obidient Movement has expressed concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent month-long stay in France, questioning the substantial expenditure incurred during the trip. According to reports, Tinubu and his delegation stayed at The Peninsula Paris, where a Grand Premier Suite was reportedly listed at approximately €7,550 per night. The movement described the trip as wasteful, especially given the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
The Obidient Movement estimated that the accommodation costs for one suite over 30 nights could amount to around N360 million, based on an exchange rate of N12 million per night. Additionally, the group noted that other rooms at the hotel reportedly cost thousands of euros per night, suggesting that the total accommodation bill could be substantial. The movement demanded a comprehensive disclosure of the total cost of the president's stay and the activities of his delegation.
The movement argued that the resources spent on the trip could have been better utilized for essential public services, particularly in rural communities. Specifically, they claimed that the estimated cost of the trip could have funded 20 primary healthcare centers and provided 100 ambulances. The group emphasized the importance of such facilities, especially for pregnant women, accident victims, and critically ill patients who often face difficulties accessing emergency medical services.
The Obidient Movement also called for the Presidency to disclose the specific benefits Nigeria derived from the trip, including details of any agreements, investments, or commitments secured during the president's stay. The group maintained that public funds belong to Nigerians and that the government has an obligation to account for expenditure undertaken in the name of the country.
The movement demanded that Tinubu provide a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost of his month-long trip to France, including accommodation, aircraft operations, security, transportation, feeding, and all other expenses incurred by the presidential delegation. They also requested verifiable evidence of the outcomes of the trip, saying Nigerians should not be left to speculate about the cost and purpose of presidential foreign engagements.
The Obidient Movement's criticism of President Tinubu's trip comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with poverty, insecurity, hunger, and rising living costs. The group argued that Nigerians need improved healthcare, ambulances, jobs, roads, and security rather than what they described as extravagant presidential spending.
The presidency has yet to respond to the Obidient Movement's demands for a breakdown of the trip expenses. However, the presidency previously stated that Tinubu's trip was a working vacation, and the president had returned to Lagos from abroad to attend to official duties.
Key points
- The Obidient Movement estimated that President Tinubu's month-long trip to France could have funded 20 primary healthcare centers and provided 100 ambulances.
- The movement demanded a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost of the president's stay and the activities of his delegation.
- The criticism comes at a time when Nigerians are facing economic challenges, including poverty, insecurity, hunger, and rising living costs.
