Abuja, Nigeria: Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s planned visit to Saint Lucia, describing it as poorly timed and insensitive given Nigeria’s ongoing security and economic challenges.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Obi expressed concern over what he called the administration’s growing detachment from the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“I struggle to understand what is happening to governance in this country,” he said, referencing Tinubu’s travel plans, which include official engagements in Saint Lucia and attendance at the BRICS summit in Brazil.
Obi, who served as governor of Anambra State, condemned the focus on international travel and elite interests while Nigerians contend with hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship. “In the past two years, Nigeria has lost more people to violence than many countries officially at war,” he noted.
Reacting to reports of Tinubu’s Caribbean stopover, which includes a vacation segment, Obi expressed disbelief, especially coming shortly after what he described as a “holiday in Lagos.” He cited a press briefing by Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, confirming the dual nature of Tinubu’s visit — with two days set aside for official duties and the rest for personal time.
Obi also criticised the President’s absence from communities hit by recent disasters. He highlighted the deadly flooding in Minna, Niger State, where over 200 lives were reportedly lost, and said Tinubu had not visited the affected areas. He also described the President’s visit to Makurdi, Benue State — which followed a spate of violent attacks — as more political than compassionate.
Drawing comparisons between Saint Lucia and Nigerian cities such as Makurdi and Minna, Obi questioned the President’s priorities. He pointed out that the population and size of these Nigerian cities far exceed those of the Caribbean nation, calling the trip a reflection of misplaced focus.
“This is not a time for leisure,” Obi stated. “Leadership demands empathy and urgency. The suffering of the Nigerian people requires the full attention of those in power.”
He accused the current administration of concentrating on the 2027 elections and serving elite interests, while the needs of the poor are neglected.
Obi concluded by calling for a redirection of leadership focus: “The God-given resources of this country belong to all. We must act urgently to halt this drift and prioritise pulling our people out of poverty.”
By Taiwo Olatinwo/ June 28,2025
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