Six days after departing New York, where he attended the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA), President Bola Tinubu has yet to return to Nigeria, leaving citizens questioning his whereabouts and sparking rumors about his accountability to the people he serves.
Tinubu arrived in New York on September 18 and left the U.S. last Thursday via JFK Airport, but he has not shared his travel plans with Nigerians, a pattern reminiscent of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, known for prolonged stays abroad.
The State House has remained tight-lipped about Tinubu’s itinerary, but senior administration officials reveal that he is dealing with strategic matters in Paris and is expected to return to Nigeria by the end of the week.
“We understand that the president is tending to important matters and holding strategic meetings in Paris, and he will be returning to the country before the end of this week,” a senior official disclosed.
The State House deliberately omitted details about the president’s return plans after the UNGA, leaving Nigerians in the dark about his extended stay in Paris.
Tinubu’s lack of communication raises concerns, echoing the approach of his predecessor, Mr. Buhari, who often did not explain his whereabouts, leading to criticism of his presidency as “remote.”
Critics argue that Mr. Buhari’s frequent and prolonged overseas trips contributed to economic challenges in Nigeria. The naira has been trading at N1000 to one dollar since Tuesday, indicating concerns about Tinubu’s currency management strategies.
Despite Tinubu’s claims of being different from his predecessor, his actions are drawing parallels, prompting questions about his commitment to transparency and accountability.
Credit: Peoples Gazette