President Bola Tinubu’s recent overseas travels have sparked concern and speculation about his whereabouts. After visiting China, he was expected to make a brief stopover in Dubai but instead appeared in London, leaving Nigerians wondering about his exact location for several days.
This is not the first time Tinubu has gone “missing” while abroad. In April, he traveled to The Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, but his return was delayed without explanation. Similarly, in January, he took a “private visit” to France, fueling health rumors until his return two weeks later.
The President’s evasiveness about his whereabouts is disturbing and beneath the office of the Presidency. As a public trust, citizens have a right to know where their President is, especially during times of crisis like the ongoing petrol shortage and floods in various states.
Tinubu’s absence has been marked by a lack of leadership and response to the country’s challenges. His decision to travel abroad while the country faces numerous problems is insensitive and raises questions about his commitment to his responsibilities.
The Punch Editorial Board argues that Tinubu’s actions continue a disdainful tradition of taking Nigerians for granted, similar to his predecessors. The late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s extended absence due to illness and former President Muhammadu Buhari’s frequent medical trips abroad without accountability are examples of this trend.
In a presidential system, the office of the President is crucial, and citizens deserve to know their leader’s whereabouts. The President’s penchant for surreptitious visits to foreign capitals diminishes the office and undermines accountability. Democracy demands transparency, and Tinubu must recognize the weight of his responsibilities and be more accountable to Nigerians.
