A faction of Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by former Minister Kabiru Turaki, has criticized President Bola Tinubu's absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the extension of his vacation abroad. The faction's National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, issued a statement on Tuesday, arguing that Mr. Tinubu's actions were "disappointing" and called on Nigerians to hold him accountable. The president's absence coincided with Nigeria's rising insecurity, economic challenges, and increasing hardship.
President Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation in London, United Kingdom, and later traveled to Paris, France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. While away, he delegated Vice-President Kashim Shettima to represent him at some official functions. The presidency announced on Monday that Mr. Tinubu's vacation had been extended by a few days, with his return to Nigeria expected by the weekend.
The PDP faction questioned why Mr. Tinubu would embark on a vacation while insecurity was rising, the economy remained unstable, and Nigerians were experiencing increasing hardship. They argued that Nigerians had the right to question the president's decision to stay away from the meeting of world leaders. The faction's spokesperson described the president's actions as a "stark opposition to the existential reality of most Nigerians."
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also criticized Mr. Tinubu over his vacation and absence from the UNGA. However, the presidency argued that Atiku's criticism was baseless. The PDP faction urged Nigerians to vote Mr. Tinubu out of office in the 2027 presidential election, citing his disrespect and disdain for Nigerians' demands for accountability.
The presidency explained that Mr. Tinubu's absence from the UNGA was not a reflection of his commitment to Nigeria's interests. However, the PDP faction countered that if the president was not in Nigeria solving the country's problems, he should be at UNGA seeking international help. They argued that his handlers were questioning the rights of the president's employers to demand accountability.
The PDP faction called on Nigerians to note the disrespect and disdain that the presidency had served on them for asking questions and demanding accountability. They emphasized the need for a president who is ready, willing, and able to work conscientiously for Nigeria, locally and internationally.
The criticism of Mr. Tinubu's actions comes as Nigeria faces significant challenges, including rising insecurity, economic instability, and increasing hardship. The PDP faction's statements reflect a growing debate about the president's priorities and commitment to addressing these challenges.
Key points
- The PDP faction criticized President Tinubu's absence from the UNGA and extension of his vacation abroad amid rising insecurity and economic challenges in Nigeria.
- The faction argued that Nigerians have the right to question the president's decision to stay away from the meeting of world leaders.
- The criticism comes as Nigeria faces significant challenges, including rising insecurity, economic instability, and increasing hardship.
