Peter Obi Urges President Tinubu to Focus on Nigeria’s Problems Instead of Frequent Foreign Trips

Nigeria Leadership Crisis: Peter Obi Speaks on Tinubu’s Frequent Foreign Trips

Amid worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and hunger, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s frequent foreign travels. He described them as insensitive to the urgent needs of Nigerians, stressing that the President’s presence is needed at home.

According to official reports, President Tinubu departed Abuja on Thursday, August 14, for a two-nation trip to Japan and Brazil, with a stopover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In Japan, he is scheduled to attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama from August 20 to 22. Obi questioned why the President left several days before the event and why there is no confirmed return date to Nigeria.

Peter Obi recalled that during the President’s previous trip, he spent a week in St. Lucia before attending the BRICS Summit, where Nigeria participated only as an observer. In contrast, leaders of BRICS member states arrived just a day or two before the summit.

Obi argued that while some foreign trips may be necessary, they should be short and focused, allowing the President to return quickly to address urgent national issues.

Peter Obi stressed that Nigeria is now ranked among the most insecure nations, has one of the most fragile economies, and is counted among the hungriest countries in the world. He emphasized that:

• Security of lives and properties must be the top priority.
• The economy needs urgent stabilization to ensure food security.
• The President should spend more time solving domestic challenges instead of attending conferences abroad with minimal benefit to Nigerians.
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Obi urged President Tinubu to visit Nigerian states — especially the most troubled ones — with the same energy he shows for foreign trips. According to him, such visits would help the President:

• See the realities Nigerians are facing.
• Hear directly from citizens.
• Learn what actions are urgently needed to improve their lives.

While acknowledging that Nigeria’s challenges cannot be solved overnight, Obi said the President must show full commitment and visible presence in the country. He concluded:

"Mr. President, you are not a tourist. You are the Chief Executive of a troubled nation. Nigeria needs your presence and sacrifice more than ever."

A New Nigeria is Possible. – Peter Obi