The recent overseas travels of President Bola Tinubu have once again sparked intense speculation and raised eyebrows among Nigerians. The President’s exact whereabouts have become a subject of mystery, leaving citizens in the dark about his activities and location.
On August 29, Tinubu embarked on a trip to China, with a brief stopover in Dubai, or so Nigerians were told. However, he surprisingly resurfaced in London on Wednesday, leaving many to wonder about his whereabouts in the intervening period. During his time in China, Tinubu engaged in various official activities, including meetings with Chinese leaders and signing agreements on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Despite his busy schedule, the President’s decision to keep his exact whereabouts under wraps has raised concerns among Nigerians. The lack of transparency and accountability is disturbing, particularly given the importance of the office of the President.
This is not the first time Tinubu has been evasive about his travels. In April, he visited The Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, only to extend his stay without explanation, leaving Nigerians in the dark. Similarly, in January, he embarked on a “private visit” to France, shrouded in secrecy, fueling health rumors until his return after two weeks.
The President’s penchant for secretive travels is reminiscent of his predecessors, who also took Nigerians for granted. The late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s prolonged absence due to illness, and former President Muhammadu Buhari’s frequent medical trips abroad without accountability, are cases in point.
In a presidential system, the office of the President is of utmost importance, and citizens have a right to know where their leader is at all times. The President’s responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the face of the nation demand transparency and accountability.
Tinubu’s actions are not only a departure from democratic norms but also insensitive to the plight of Nigerians, who are grappling with a plethora of challenges, including a petrol crisis, floods, and insecurity. The President’s decision to pontificate about petrol subsidy removal in China while citizens at home suffer is a stark reminder of his disconnect from the people.
As Nigerians demand answers, it is imperative for the President to appreciate the weight of his responsibilities and embrace transparency and accountability. The office of the President is a public trust, and citizens deserve to know where their leader is and what he is doing.
