Obi Criticises Tinubu’s European Vacation, Calls for Focus on Nigeria’s Challenges

The Nigeria democratic congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest trip to Europe for a three-week vacation, arguing that the President should prioritise addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

In a statement, Obi said Nigeria was facing serious hardship, insecurity and growing concerns over access to food, transportation, healthcare and education.

He argued that the President’s decision to travel at a time of national challenges raised questions about the government’s priorities.

Obi also referred to reports of a mass abduction in Niger State, saying the security situation required urgent attention from the country’s leadership.

The former presidential candidate further raised concerns over government spending on presidential foreign trips, claiming that billions of naira had been spent on travel expenses since June 2023.

He contrasted the alleged expenditure with funding challenges facing critical sectors, including healthcare.

“Leadership is about priorities,” Obi said, arguing that government officials should focus on improving the lives and security of Nigerians.

Obi also called for greater efforts to promote domestic tourism, saying Nigeria’s leaders should help market the country as a tourism destination.

He said destinations across states including Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Cross River, Bauchi and Ebonyi could benefit from increased domestic tourism.

According to him, greater investment and interest in domestic tourism could create jobs and support sectors such as hospitality, transportation, agriculture, entertainment, crafts and small businesses.

“We cannot continue to export our wealth and import our pleasures while our own enormous potential remains neglected,” Obi said.

Obi added that the partnership between himself and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would offer Nigerians what he described as leadership focused on national development and citizens’ welfare.