A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for traveling to France while Nigeria faces worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and rising unemployment.
In a statement titled ‘Whither Nigeria, My Beloved Country’, George condemned the timing of the president’s trip, stating that it was inappropriate given the current state of the nation.
“Today, amid crises, insecurity, hunger, joblessness, and other vices in the country, President Bola Tinubu has taken off to Paris, France, for reasons best known to him and his handlers,” George stated.
“Nigerians don’t feel safe anymore in their fatherland, yet the Federal Government, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Senate are more concerned about recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. What a shame!”
The former PDP Deputy National Chairman also drew historical parallels, warning that the actions of the APC-led government were reminiscent of the events that led to the collapse of the First and Second Republics.
He referenced the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, suggesting that the musician’s decades-old critiques of governance in Nigeria remain relevant today.
President Tinubu departed for France on Wednesday, with his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, confirming that he is expected to return to Nigeria in about two weeks.
However, no official reason for the trip has been provided, leading to widespread speculation and criticism from opposition figures and concerned citizens.