The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision to extend his stay abroad, saying it is an "unacceptable abdication of presidential mandate." According to the party, Tinubu should either be in Nigeria addressing the country's challenges or at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) seeking international support. The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, stated this in a press statement on Tuesday.
The PDP's criticism comes at a time when Nigerians are facing worsening insecurity, difficult economic conditions, and growing hopelessness. Ememobong argued that the President's decision to extend his vacation in Europe was difficult to reconcile with the circumstances confronting Nigerians. He questioned why Tinubu, who had traveled to Europe for a holiday, would not proceed to the United States for the UNGA, which brings together leaders from across the world to discuss global and national issues.
The PDP spokesman maintained that Tinubu, having sought and secured the presidency, owed Nigerians a duty of accountability and could not expect citizens to remain silent over decisions affecting the discharge of his constitutional responsibilities. Ememobong emphasized that the President was a servant, not a lord and master, of the country and all Nigerians. The party also criticized the Presidency's dismissive response to questions over the President's absence.
The PDP linked its criticism to the broader economic and security situation in the country, arguing that the President's continued absence sent the wrong message to citizens facing difficulties in their daily lives. The party faulted the argument that the President could determine which official duties to perform and from where, insisting that the demands of the office required leadership capable of responding to challenges both within and outside the country.
The PDP urged Nigerians to take note of the controversy surrounding the President's extended vacation and absence from the UNGA, saying it should form part of the issues citizens consider ahead of the next presidential election. The party emphasized that Nigeria required a President "ready, willing and able to work conscientiously for our country, locally and internationally." Citizens were urged to demand accountability from those occupying public offices.
Tinubu's absence from the UNGA has seen Vice President Kashim Shettima represent Nigeria at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Presidency has maintained that the President remains engaged with developments at home and continues to direct government affairs. The PDP's criticism adds to the growing debate over the President's priorities and leadership style.
The controversy surrounding Tinubu's extended vacation and absence from the UNGA raises questions about the President's commitment to addressing Nigeria's challenges. The PDP's call for accountability and transparency is likely to resonate with Nigerians who are increasingly concerned about the country's economic and security situation. As the country prepares for the next presidential election, citizens will be watching the President's actions closely.
Key points
- - The PDP criticizes President Tinubu for extending his vacation abroad while the country faces insecurity and economic challenges. - The party argues that the President's absence is an "unacceptable abdication of presidential mandate" and that he should either be in Nigeria addressing the country's challenges or at the UNGA seeking international support. - The PDP urges Nigerians to demand accountability from those occupying public offices and to consider the controversy surrounding the President's extended vacation and absence from the UNGA ahead of the next presidential election.
