Former presidential candidate and Labour Party stalwart, Peter Obi, has expressed grave concern over the rising wave of insecurity across Nigeria, criticizing President Bola Tinubu for remaining abroad while the country grapples with mounting violence.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Mr Obi urged President Tinubu to immediately halt his ongoing “working visit” in France and return home to confront the dire security situation facing the nation.
“I am compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating President’s attention to the security challenges at home, which entails that he immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country,” Mr Obi stated.
Drawing attention to recent violent incidents, the former Anambra State governor highlighted that in just two weeks, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives in various attacks, particularly in Plateau and Zamfara states. He also pointed to ongoing insurgency concerns in Borno, pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, and persistent cases of abductions and killings in the South-East.
“All these are happening while the CEO (Mr Tinubu) of the troubling company called Nigeria is retreating in a faraway land in France from the company’s headquarters,” Mr Obi remarked.
He called for immediate and decisive action from the presidency to stem the tide of violence and restore public confidence in the government’s ability to ensure safety.