The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend his visit to France and return to Nigeria.

Obi made the appeal to the president on Wednesday via a statement posted on his official X handle.
He said his appeal has become “necessary” following the rising incidents of crimes and criminalities all over Nigeria with an apparent absence of governance.

Obi reports of the insurgent attacks in Borno State, frequent pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, and ongoing incidents of killings and kidnappings in the South East.

He also pointed to the rising death toll in Plateau and Zamfara states, claiming that over 150 lives have been lost during the President’s time abroad.

“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,” Obi wrote.

“This urgent call has become necessary following the rising incidents of crimes and criminalities all over Nigeria with an apparent absence of governance.

“In the 2 weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in Plateau and Zamfara states.”

He then compared Tinubu to the CEO of the struggling company called Nigeria who chooses to be away during a crisis to retreat far away in France from the company’s headquarters.

Obi added, “The primary duty of any government is securing the lives and property of its citizens and one wonders the type of retreat going on in another country where peace has been secured by their leaders while blood continues to flow in our country

“The fight for a better Nigeria is not about individuals; it is about ensuring that every citizen can see, feel, and benefit from the policies and decisions of those in power.”

The former governor of Anambra, however, urged President Tinubu to “rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues.”

Obi’s plea comes amid speculation surrounding the purpose of President Tinubu’s trip.

While the Presidency has described it as a working visit, critics like Omoyele Sowore have alleged the visit was for medical reasons.

Meanwhile, Tinubu’s spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, denied those claims during a television interview, stating that Tinubu did not leave Nigeria for medical care.

The President, who departed Nigeria on April 2, is expected to be away for two weeks, according to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.