The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for putting his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, in charge of a Federal Government delegation comprising five serving governors for an investment conference in Canada.
The opposition party described the arrangement as inappropriate, questioning why an unelected presidential aide would lead elected state governors on an official foreign mission.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated the party’s position in a post on his verified X account on Saturday.
“Just when you think that you have seen the worst of this Tinubu government, they will just surprise you,” Abdullahi wrote.
He added, “How can the President’s Chief of Staff, an unelected personal aide of the president, lead elected state governors on a foreign mission? It is well.”
The criticism followed the announcement by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) that Tinubu had approved a delegation to represent Nigeria at the maiden Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference in Toronto, Canada.
The conference is scheduled to hold from August 12 to 15.
According to NiDCOM, Gbajabiamila will lead the delegation, which includes Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.
Other members of the delegation are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The conference, themed “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” is expected to bring together Nigerian government officials, investors, business leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora.
The event is aimed at showcasing investment opportunities in Nigeria and strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and its citizens living abroad.
The Presidency has not publicly explained why Gbajabiamila was selected to lead the delegation, but the decision has generated debate, particularly among opposition voices.
Critics have questioned the propriety of an unelected presidential aide leading governors elected by voters in their respective states.
READ ALSO
•FG To Prosecute Harassment, Assault of Health Workers
•Osun Environment Commissioner Arrested On IGP’s Order – Imole Campaign Council
Supporters of the administration, however, have argued that the Chief of Staff is a senior representative of the President and can coordinate official government engagements on behalf of the Presidency.
The controversy comes amid growing criticism of the Tinubu administration by opposition parties over governance, appointments and the exercise of executive powers.
The Canada conference is expected to provide the Nigerian delegation with an opportunity to engage investors and members of the diaspora as the Federal Government seeks to attract foreign investment into the country.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
