In a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has called on the President to shift his focus from international travels to a deeper engagement with the country’s ongoing economic, security, and infrastructure challenges.
In his New Year address, Obi expressed concern over Nigeria’s continued struggles, despite official claims of progress. He highlighted the worsening poverty situation, with over 100 million Nigerians living in extreme poverty, as well as the national minimum wage of N70,000, which he dismissed as insufficient to meet basic needs such as food.
“While the government continues to paint a picture of improvement, the reality is that Nigeria is still one of the poorest nations in the world,” Obi said. “The minimum wage is a mere token that cannot even buy a full bag of rice. It’s time to stop the talk and take action.”
Obi’s statement comes on the heels of rising dissatisfaction over the government’s failure to address key issues affecting ordinary Nigerians. He criticized the government’s focus on international trips, particularly the reported 30 overseas trips made by President Tinubu in the past year alone, which, according to Obi, signals a disconnect from the everyday struggles of the Nigerian people.
“Time to See Nigeria, Not Just the World”
In a direct appeal to President Tinubu, Obi argued that it was time for the President to focus on Nigeria’s internal issues, rather than spending the majority of his time abroad. “Out of the roughly 580 days since you assumed office, you have spent more than 30% of your time, approximately 180 days, on overseas trips,” Obi pointed out. “I am asking that you dedicate 20% of 2025 to visiting each of Nigeria’s 36 states. Spend at least two days in each state. This will give you an opportunity to witness firsthand the challenges our people face.”
Obi emphasized that such visits would provide President Tinubu with an invaluable perspective on Nigeria’s economic and security predicaments. “You need to see the reality of Nigeria on the ground. Only then can you make informed decisions to solve the problems,” Obi said, urging the President to move beyond the statehouse and engage directly with the citizens.
He also suggested that President Tinubu extend his visits to national hospitals, some of which are in dire need of attention. Obi recommended that the President undergo his next medical checkup at one of Nigeria’s federal medical centers, such as those in Sokoto or Calabar, as a gesture to better understand the state of healthcare facilities across the nation.
“Mr. President, imagine conducting your next medical examination at one of our hospitals, not overseas. This simple act would demonstrate your commitment to improving our healthcare system,” Obi argued. “Your presence will give a morale boost to the medical professionals, and more importantly, it will send a message that you care about the conditions Nigerians face daily.”
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
Obi also stressed the importance of reducing the cost of governance, urging President Tinubu to allocate resources to critical sectors such as security, education, and poverty alleviation. He particularly highlighted the need for greater transparency in public procurement processes, pointing out that the current state of affairs has allowed corruption to thrive.
“Corruption must be confronted head-on. We cannot continue to see public funds disappear without consequences,” Obi declared. “I am calling on the government to ensure proper investigations into missing funds and to make public the steps being taken to recover those funds.”
He also emphasized the necessity of linking Nigeria’s borrowing to productive investments. “We can no longer afford to accumulate debt without seeing tangible returns. All future loans must be tied to regenerative projects that bring visible benefits to our people,” he stated.
A Personal Reflection on Leadership
Drawing from his own experience as the governor of Anambra State, Obi shared a poignant memory of a road trip he once took with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. During that journey, which involved an inspection of the state’s infrastructure, Obasanjo immediately ordered the reconstruction of a dilapidated road after seeing the conditions for himself. Obi believes that such personal engagements can drive real change.
“Mr. President, I urge you to visit the country’s tertiary institutions and witness the state of our education system. A visit to institutions like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, or the University of Lagos would reveal the dire need for investment in our educational infrastructure,” Obi said, referencing a visit by former President Shehu Shagari in the 1980s that resulted in improvements in facilities.
Obi’s proposal extends beyond educational and health reforms. He also highlighted the need for the President to visit military formations and security agencies to boost morale among the troops. With insecurity continuing to plague several regions of Nigeria, Obi believes that a personal visit from the President could offer much-needed reassurance to both the armed forces and the general populace.
Nigeria’s Refugee Crisis
One of the most alarming points in Obi’s address was his reference to Nigeria’s internal displacement camps, which he described as a troubling sign of the country’s ongoing security issues. “Many Nigerians are refugees in their own country, and this should be a wake-up call for all of us,” he lamented. “It is crucial that you visit these camps, Mr. President, and show those who are suffering that you are committed to restoring peace to their homes.”
Obi further implored President Tinubu to engage with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and assure them of the government’s commitment to their resettlement. “We need to bring peace back to our communities, and that starts with showing the displaced people that their future matters.”
A New Direction for Nigeria
In his concluding remarks, Obi urged President Tinubu to refocus his attention on the internal affairs of Nigeria. He suggested that the President spend national holidays in various states, visiting local communities and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Nigerians in every corner of the country.
“Mr. President, you are no longer the governor of Lagos State,” Obi reminded him. “It’s time to spend your holidays in Adamawa, Sokoto, Akure, and other parts of the country to connect with the people who need your leadership the most.”
Peter Obi’s remarks underscore a deep frustration with the state of governance in Nigeria, urging President Tinubu to abandon the trappings of international diplomacy and address the urgent needs of his own citizens. The challenge, according to Obi, is clear: it’s time for the President to come down from his global travels and immerse himself in the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
