Obidient Movement, the political support group of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has told President Bola Tinubu to explain to Nigerians why he has been avoiding the United States.
In a statement by its Media and Communications Directorate, the group wondered what Tinubu was doing in France in the name of annual vacation, while presidents of the world, including President Emmanuel Macron, the leader of his host country were in New York, trying to close deals for their countries.
The statement read in part: “The decision by Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to once again stay away from the United States and the United Nations General Assembly misses serious questions that the Nigerian Government must answer. The Presidency says that he is currently on annual leave and that his attention is required by domestic priorities, including the economy and security.
“But Nigerians are entitled to ask why the same Tinubu can undertake an extended European trip, travel to France and attend a private dinner with President Emmanuel Macon, yet cannot personally represent Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly, even though we know he is prone to disgracing the country through his endless embarrassing gibberish at such an important global forum.
“His consistent absence over the Last two years only suggests that Nigeria does not take such an opportunity seriously. This is not merely about attendance at a diplomatic event because the United Nations General Assembly provides Nigeria an important platform to present its interests before the international community, engage world leaders end participate directly in discussions on matters effecting Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.
“The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, in whose country Tinubu is squandering taxpayers’ money on an undeserved vacation, is currently in New York, attending UNGA and trying to close deals for hie country. That is what any responsible president does.”
The group said Tinubu deserves to answer some important questions about why he did not attend the UNGA, whether he feared that stepping foot in US could lead to his arrest and why he is always available to attend even small events in France, but avoids major events in US?
“Tinubu must therefore explain his absence from the United States, clarify his official engagements, and provide Nigerians with the facts surrounding the decisions that have kept him away from the United Nations General Assembly for three consecutive years.
“At a time when Nigeria is preparing for another general election, transparency from those entrusted with the highest offices of the country is not optional. Nigerians deserve answers,” the Obidient Movement insisted.
