Peter Obi, the Labour Party leader and former presidential candidate, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for being out of the country at the same time. Obi expressed his concerns about the seriousness of the government, especially given the numerous domestic problems Nigeria is facing.
According to Obi, the President’s decision to extend his leave and the Vice President’s trip to Sweden simultaneously raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s issues. Obi noted that the President had initially stated he would be away for 14 days, but has now exceeded that period, and it is concerning that he did not attend a 2-day working visit to Sweden himself, given his proximity to the location from France.
Obi’s spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, highlighted the fiscal irresponsibility of delegating the Vice President to travel a much longer distance from Abuja to Stockholm, which he argued was unnecessary and wasteful of national resources. Obi emphasized the need for true and committed leadership to prioritize the well-being of the people and manage the nation’s resources effectively.
In response, Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesman and former Director General of Peter Obi’s campaign, defended the President and Vice President’s trips. Okupe argued that even in war situations, commanders take time off to rest and that modern technology ensures all arms of government function fully regardless of the President’s physical location.
Okupe dismissed the notion that there is no one in charge as misleading and preposterous, stating that policies are being implemented as usual and there is no evidence of dereliction of duty.
