Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s foreign trips, questioning their timing as Nigeria grapples with severe domestic challenges.
President Tinubu embarked on a two-week working leave to the UK on October 2, 2024, and later extended his trip to France. At the same time, Vice President Shettima travelled to Sweden for bilateral talks. The Presidency defended the trips, stating that the absence of both leaders does not leave a vacuum in Nigeria’s leadership.
However, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Obi argued that with both leaders out of the country, Nigeria is left vulnerable during a time of economic hardship. He said, “It’s concerning that both the President and Vice President are abroad when Nigeria is facing critical issues. The President assured us of a 14-day trip, but that period has passed.”
Obi also questioned why President Tinubu, already in Paris, did not attend the Sweden engagement instead of sending the Vice President. He pointed out that the trip from Paris to Stockholm would have saved time and national resources, criticizing the decision as lacking in fiscal responsibility.
He emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes the nation’s well-being, especially when citizens are struggling with economic difficulties. Obi urged for decisions that reflect a commitment to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.
This is the second time both Tinubu and Shettima have been abroad simultaneously since taking office 17 months ago.
