A former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips amid insecurity and economic hardship in the country.

In a statement on Friday, Mr Obi said “It does look like Mr. President is running away from Nigeria at every slight opportunity. And one would wonder why so much of his two years in office has been spent on holidays or away from the very country he was elected to preside over.”

The Labour Party chieftain said, “from all indications, our President is not finding his home in Nigeria conducive for a long stay, and it should be concerning to us. For the umpteenth time, Mr. President waved the nation goodbye again, barely six days after his return to Nigeria, after he spent 15 whole days for just a five-day engagement. He is now heading for about his 10th trip to France in two years, this time for his annual holiday.”

Mr Obi added, “At least 79% of Nigerians have been reported to be facing food insecurity, that is over 180 million people facing hunger. Nigeria, just last month, was declared the worst country to give birth, and just weeks ago, the worst place to live, with the world’s worst life expectancy. We deserve a president with all hands on deck to solve these issues.’’

Lamenting insecurity in the country, Mr Obi said, “At a time when Nigerians need leadership, empathy, and presence, a President should not choose foreign holidays. Across Nigeria, last month alone while Mr. President was on one of his many trips, over 50 people were killed in the horrifying mosque and village attack in Katsina State, with over 60 people kidnapped. This is exclusive of the many bandit attacks and kidnappings just last month.”

Mr Tinubu jetted out of Nigeria to Europe “to commence a working vacation in Europe, as part of his 2025 annual leave,” presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated on Thursday.

He added that Mr Tinubu’s vacation would last for 10-working days to be spent in France and the United Kingdom and then return to the country.