Olabode George’s Critique of President Tinubu’s Leadership Amidst National Crises
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, particularly criticizing his recent trip to France amidst a backdrop of escalating security and socio-economic challenges plaguing Nigeria. George’s statement, titled "Whither Nigeria, my beloved country," expresses deep concern over the trajectory of the nation, asserting that those in power appear to be deaf to reason and are implementing policies that threaten the country’s very foundation. He draws parallels between the current situation and the events that led to the collapse of previous republics, warning that history is repeating itself under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.
Central to George’s critique is President Tinubu’s decision to travel to France while Nigeria grapples with a multitude of crises. He questions the timing and purpose of the trip, highlighting the irony of a leader seeking solace abroad while his citizens face insecurity, hunger, and unemployment. George accuses the Tinubu administration of prioritizing trivial matters, such as the recall of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over the pressing issues affecting the nation. He views the government’s handling of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as partisan and an embarrassment to the country.
George contends that the ongoing persecution of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan exemplifies the erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria. He criticizes the inconsistency and lack of due process in the Senate’s handling of the matter, accusing the government of using state machinery to silence dissenting voices. George questions the legality of the voice vote that approved the declaration of a state of emergency, arguing that it failed to meet the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly. He commends the senators who opposed this "illegality and injustice."
Furthermore, George accuses the APC and the Senate of orchestrating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall, citing the questionable authenticity of the signatures submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He alleges that bags of papers were presented to INEC as official documents, highlighting the manipulation and lack of transparency characterizing the process. He contrasts the government’s efforts to stifle Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to Kogi State with the overwhelming support she received from the people upon her arrival, suggesting that the government’s actions have backfired.
George’s statement underscores the disconnect between the ruling elite and the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. He laments the government’s apparent indifference to the plight of the citizens, emphasizing the urgent need for leaders to prioritize the welfare of the people. He cautions President Tinubu and other leaders that power is transient and that they should heed the lessons of history. He warns that the current trajectory of the country is unsustainable and that ignoring the plight of the people will have dire consequences.
In conclusion, Olabode George’s statement serves as a stark indictment of President Tinubu’s leadership and the current state of affairs in Nigeria. He paints a bleak picture of a nation grappling with multiple crises, led by a government seemingly more concerned with political maneuvering than addressing the needs of its citizens. His warning about the potential for history to repeat itself serves as a call for urgent action to rectify the current course and prioritize the well-being of the Nigerian people. He urges President Tinubu to take heed of the growing discontent and address the pressing issues facing the nation before it is too late.
