Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s extended stay abroad, arguing that Nigeria’s political leaders should remain more closely connected to the country and the challenges facing its citizens.
Obi made the remarks on Thursday in Asaba, Delta State, during the inauguration of the NDC secretariat in the state.
The former Anambra State governor also promised that, if elected president, he would spend his holidays in Nigeria rather than travelling abroad.
According to Obi, his administration would prioritise strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and encourage political leaders to use local medical facilities, except where overseas treatment is medically required through referral.
“We will ensure that those of them who are in power must seek medical care here. Anybody that will go abroad will be for referral,” Obi said.
He also referenced Tinubu’s reported stay in France, saying Nigerian leaders should demonstrate greater commitment to the country.
“Today, our President is in France. He went for three weeks and he has spent more than three weeks,” Obi stated.
He added that, if elected, he would spend his holidays in different parts of Nigeria.
“As President of Nigeria, all my holidays will be in Nigeria. I will go to Agbor for holiday; I will go to Warri for holidays, not France,” he said.
Peter Obi Promises Greater Focus on Niger Delta
Obi also addressed concerns over the development of the Niger Delta, arguing that the region has not sufficiently benefited from the wealth generated from its natural resources.
He promised that an NDC-led government would pursue greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
“One thing that I can assure you is that the days you don’t see the impact of your wealth is gone. Niger Delta must see the impact of the wealth it is creating for the nation,” Obi said.
The NDC presidential candidate said the government would seek to ensure that communities in the Niger Delta could see tangible benefits from the resources generated in the region.
“You cannot pass anywhere in the Niger Delta, yet they are producing the wealth the country shares every month,” he added.
Obi said his proposed approach would be based on transparent management of public funds, with citizens receiving clearer information about government spending.
“We will ensure that this will change and it will change by the way we manage the resources; it will change because we are going to be transparent. We will tell you where every penny is going to,” he said.
The comments form part of Obi’s wider campaign message on healthcare, public accountability, resource management and the development of the Niger Delta.
