In a pointed critique of President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to take a two-week vacation in the United Kingdom, former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido has raised serious concerns about the implications of such a trip during a time of significant economic distress and insecurity in Nigeria.
On October 3, 2024, President Tinubu departed for the UK, a move that has sparked outrage among citizens grappling with rising inflation, unemployment, and security challenges. Lamido’s comments come as many Nigerians feel the weight of economic hardship, questioning the president’s priorities and sense of empathy towards the populace.
Tinubu’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the trip as part of the president’s annual leave, stating that it would also serve as a “working vacation” where the president intends to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms. Onanuga assured the public that Tinubu would return to Nigeria after the two-week period.
However, Lamido’s response highlights a growing frustration among Nigerians who feel abandoned by their leaders during tough times. In a passionate Facebook post titled “Deaf, Dumb, Confounded,” Lamido expressed disbelief at the president’s decision to leave the country while many citizens struggle to make ends meet. He questioned whether Tinubu possesses the “human empathy, compassion, love, care, and concern” necessary to truly understand the plight of the Nigerian people.
The former governor’s comments spokes the mind of the people and the with a populace that is increasingly disillusioned with the political elite. As the nation faces a myriad of challenges, including escalating violence and economic instability, many are calling for leaders to demonstrate solidarity and commitment to addressing these pressing issues rather than retreating to the comforts of foreign lands.
Lamido’s stands adds to the mounting pressure on President Tinubu to prioritize the needs of Nigerians over personal leisure, urging him to return to the country with a renewed focus on alleviating the hardships faced by millions. As the president embarks on his vacation, the question remains: will he return with the resolve to tackle the challenges that lie ahead?