The announcement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two-week vacation in France has ignited public debate, with criticism mounting as Nigeria grapples with deepening economic challenges.
Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, openly rebuked Tinubu’s leave, labelling it as ill-timed and insensitive given the country’s present economic crisis.
Responding to comments made by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Shaibu argued that public office demands constant accountability, even during personal breaks.
Onanuga had issued a statement urging the public to respect the President’s “private time,” noting, “President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks… he is still observing his leave.”
He insisted that Nigerians should not be concerned about Tinubu’s whereabouts, as the President is free to travel where he pleases during his time off.
Shaibu, however, criticised this stance, remarking on his X (formerly Twitter) handle that Onanuga’s comments displayed “indifference” towards the citizens’ struggles. “Onanuga needs help,” Shaibu retorted, accusing Tinubu’s office of prioritising personal comfort over public duty.
“While Nigerians grapple with fuel price hikes, inflation, insecurity, and a crumbling economy, we’re told not to worry because, well, it’s his private time,” Shaibu added sarcastically.
Shaibu further asserted that the presidency should be a role of continuous accountability, not a “personal getaway.”
He stressed that citizens deserve leadership that understands the gravity of their challenges. “Nigerians deserve leadership that matches the gravity of the challenges they face, not one that treats the presidency like a travel agency,” he said.
This exchange has deepened ongoing debates over the responsibilities and priorities of Nigeria’s leaders amid nationwide hardship, highlighting calls for greater sensitivity and commitment from those in power.