Obi Calls On Tinubu to Cut Short France Retreat, Address Security Crisis

Mr. Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, has publicly urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in France and return to Nigeria to address the country’s escalating security crisis.

In a statement issued today via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed deep concern about the country’s increasing incidents of violence and insecurity, describing the current situation as indicative of a “glaring lack of governance.”

“Within just two weeks of Mr President’s absence, over 150 Nigerians have died as a result of various security breaches, particularly in Plateau and Zamfara states,” Obi said.

He highlighted the resurgence of insurgency in the North-East, particularly in Borno State, where both civilians and security personnel have reportedly been attacked. He added that the situation in the South-East remains dire, with ongoing reports of killings and abductions.

Obi also mentioned the recent string of pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, describing them as additional symptoms of a nation in deep crisis. “Amidst these disturbing developments, the CEO of the troubled company called Nigeria is holding a retreat in faraway France, away from the epicentre of national distress,” he criticised.

He questioned the logic of holding a strategic retreat in a peaceful and stable foreign country while Nigeria is dealing with widespread bloodshed. He implied that the President’s presence was critical for addressing pressing security concerns.

“The fight for a better Nigeria is not about individuals,” Obi emphasised, reaffirming that his call to action stemmed from a desire for a more effective and responsive government. He urged President Tinubu to “suspend whatever he is doing in France and return home to accept responsibility for addressing these troubling issues.”

Obi’s statement has received a lot of attention on social media, sparking widespread debate about the President’s priorities and the gravity of Nigeria’s current security challenges. The President has yet to respond to Obi’s call.