The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend his working vacation in Europe, saying he should be in Nigeria addressing the security and economic challenges facing citizens.
The party also faulted the President for not attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria.
The PDP made its position known in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong.
“The President’s continued absence comes at a difficult time for Nigerians, who are facing insecurity, economic hardship and a growing sense of hopelessness,” the party said.
“If the President is not in Nigeria solving the problems of the country, he should be at UNGA seeking international help for the country,” the PDP said.
It argued that the President’s decision to remain on vacation was difficult to reconcile with the challenges facing the country, particularly insecurity and economic difficulties.
The PDP also said Nigerians had the right to question the President about how he was carrying out the responsibilities of his office.
It said Tinubu sought the presidency and, after taking the oath of office, became accountable to the people who elected him.
The party further questioned why the President, despite being in Europe, would not travel to the United States to attend the UNGA and use the opportunity to seek international support for Nigeria.
“There is no greater insult to the presidential mandate than this,” the PDP said.
The party also urged Nigerians to remember the issue when making their choices at the next presidential election.
According to the PDP, the country needed a leader prepared to work both within Nigeria and internationally.
“This must guide our choices at the ballot in January, during the presidential elections, because we need a President who is ready, willing and able to work conscientiously for our country, locally and internationally,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has said Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA would not affect Nigeria’s participation at the global gathering.