President Bola Tinubu’s extended absence from Nigeria has sparked concerns, with Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi expressing dismay over the president’s two-week working vacation in the United Kingdom.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on October 2, initially expected to return within 14 days, but reports indicate he has since traveled to Paris, France, for an “important engagement”.
Obi questioned the president’s prolonged absence, stating, “The President had told us he would only be gone for 14 days. The 14 days have passed now, and we are waiting to see him in the country.” He emphasized the need for Tinubu’s urgent attention to address the nation’s economic and social challenges, citing the “untold hardship” caused by his administration’s policies.
Sources close to the presidency revealed that Tinubu’s return is expected around the weekend or early next week, as his 14-day working leave is calculated excluding weekends. However, this explanation has not alleviated concerns about the president’s absence amid Nigeria’s pressing issues.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has faced scrutiny over his economic views and policies. As the nation grapples with hardship, Obi’s statement highlights the urgency for effective leadership and decision-making.
Nigerians have taken to social media to express their opinions, with some defending the president’s right to rest and others criticizing his prolonged absence. Comments ranged from “Body no be firewood. Allow my president to rest” to “He should spend eternity there for all I care” ¹. The divergence in public opinion reflects the complexity of Nigeria’s political landscape.
