A wave of frustration and uncertainty has swept through the nation in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s frequent sneaking out for a private visit to Paris, France.
NN News Media had previously reported on Tinubu’s absence during the presidential campaign, where he remained out of the country for nearly a month with undisclosed information about his whereabouts. Tinubu also went missing for several weeks in the United States during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The latest trip, his third since taking office eight months ago, has further intensified the discontent among Nigerians.
According to The Guardian’s investigation, Tinubu’s third private visit to Paris in eight months, announced abruptly by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has raised eyebrows among many Nigerians. The terse press statement, providing minimal details and stating the President’s return in early February 2024, has further fueled public discontent.
Stakeholders have expressed varying opinions on the legality of the President using public resources for private engagements. While some lawyers argue there is no legal prohibition, critics from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) question the timing and motives behind Tinubu’s recurrent visits.
Tinubu’s foreign travels began shortly after assuming office in June 2023, participating in global events such as the Paris Summit for the New Global Financial Pact and the United Nations General Assembly in New York. However, concerns have been raised about the transparency and necessity of these trips, especially during a time of domestic challenges.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, criticized Tinubu’s timing, citing insecurity and economic issues, while Dr. Yunusa Tanko of the LP alleged a hidden agenda behind the President’s repeated visits. Tanko emphasized the need for transparency, urging the National Assembly to scrutinize the situation.
In contrast, some legal experts, such as Christian Oti and Douglas Ogbankwa, argue that the President is entitled to private trips as a free citizen. However, they stress the importance of self-funding such endeavors to avoid burdening the state.
Debo Adeniran, Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, pointed out the lack of specific restrictions on the President’s travel frequency in the constitution. He called for greater transparency regarding the nature of these visits to address public concerns.
Lawyer Jerry Aondo highlighted the constitutional responsibility of the President to act in the interest of the citizens. He criticized the use of public funds for private visits and emphasized the need for transparency in the President’s movements, aligning with the principles of transformative justice and cost-cutting in governance.
As the debate intensifies, citizens and stakeholders alike are calling for accountability, transparency, and adherence to constitutional principles in President Tinubu’s private travels.
