The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu for awarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
The controversial ceremony took place during a Nigeria-India bilateral meeting in Abuja.
In a statement to News360 Nigeria, Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, described the decision as a “misplaced priority.”
He argued that the award, while symbolic, should reflect Nigeria’s immediate concerns and pressing needs.
Osadolor questioned the timing of the honor, suggesting it was more about political friendship than substantive achievement.
He said, “Nigeria needs solutions to its own struggles before we begin awarding honors based on mere friendship.”
Tinubu defended the gesture, stating that the award was a recognition of India’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria and its contributions to various sectors.
The Nigerian President praised Modi for his leadership, especially his success in winning three consecutive elections in India.
“Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India. We work to deepen and broaden this partnership for mutual benefit,” Tinubu said at the award ceremony.
Modi, in turn, expressed condolences to Nigeria over recent floods that affected several cities.
He promised to send 20 tonnes of relief materials to assist in the recovery efforts.
During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in sectors like defense, energy, trade, technology, health, and education.
However, the PDP’s criticism of the honor raised a storm of debate.
Osadolor, speaking for the opposition party, pointed out that awarding such an honor to Modi was inappropriate, considering Nigeria’s internal crises.
He asked, “What has the Indian Prime Minister done to deserve this honor? This is the second-highest award in our country. We cannot give it away for political gestures.”
Osadolor also questioned whether Tinubu had used the opportunity to ask Modi about India’s economic success, particularly its rise from poverty to become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
“If Tinubu wants to learn how to build Nigeria’s economy, he should have asked Modi for advice. Instead, he is handing out awards,” Osadolor said.
He continued, “The real issues affecting Nigeria, such as hunger, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure, should be the President’s focus, not media stunts.”
The PDP member’s comments reflect a broader frustration with what they perceive as the government’s failure to tackle the nation’s most urgent problems.
Nigerians, according to the opposition, are suffering, and the government’s priorities are misaligned.
Meanwhile, Nze Chidi Duru, the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defended Tinubu’s decision.
Duru argued that there was a precedent for such awards and that the President had the discretion to confer them as he saw fit.
“Once all the legal processes are followed, it is within the President’s power to award honors to anyone,” Duru explained.
He criticized the PDP’s opposition to the honor, calling it emotional and out of touch with the broader issues facing the country.
Duru added, “Instead of focusing on a symbol of international diplomacy, the PDP should focus on how to improve the lives of Nigerians.”
He suggested that the opposition party should prioritize practical solutions over political drama.
“It is important that we discuss how to create jobs, improve education, and tackle Nigeria’s food security issues,” Duru said.
