Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his frequent foreign travels amid Nigeria’s pressing economic and security challenges. According to a statement from the Presidency, Tinubu is set to embark on a two-nation tour, which includes stops in Japan and Brazil, along with a layover in Dubai.

Obi stated that this trip would mark over 200 days of travel during Tinubu’s time in office. He expressed concern over the President’s apparent indifference to the suffering of Nigerians, highlighting the ongoing crises facing the country.

Obi’s post on X (formerly Twitter) emphasized the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s issues rather than prioritizing international engagements. He questioned how a leader could leave the country when faced with such significant problems, including insecurity and economic hardship.

The President’s itinerary includes attending the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama from August 20 to 22. Obi criticized the length of the trip, suggesting it could have been shorter and more focused on domestic concerns.

He urged the President to prioritize visiting troubled states to better understand and address the challenges faced by Nigerians, rather than attending overseas conferences that may not yield tangible benefits for the country.

Obi concluded by calling for competent leadership that demonstrates commitment and compassion in tackling Nigeria’s pressing issues, reminding the President of his responsibilities as the Chief Executive of a nation in crisis.