Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said that indications suggest President Bola Tinubu is not finding Nigeria a conducive environment for a long stay, stating, "It should be concerning to us."

This was as he lamented that, for the umpteenth time, the President waved the nation goodbye again, barely six days after his return to Nigeria, having 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. 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," Obi said.

He lamented that, meanwhile, at least 79% of Nigerians have been reported to be facing food insecurity, and over 180 million people are facing hunger.

He also pointed out that just last month, Nigeria 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," Obi said.

"Across Nigeria, last month alone while Mr. President was on one of his very 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.

"One would have expected that the president would at least visit one of these states when he arrived 6 days ago, or at least visit Niger State where just yesterday, 60 of our citizens, women and young children, died in a boat mishap with many more still missing. What would it have taken the president to take a less than 30-minute trip to Niger State from Abuja in his jet? Mr. President could have at least visited the grieving families in Niger before jetting off again. Where is the compassion for Nigerian lives, Mr. President? How many more need to die for you to preside over the country?

"No holiday is more important than the Nigerian lives you swore to protect. At a time when Nigerians need leadership, empathy, and presence, a President should not choose foreign holidays. True leadership is about sacrifice and the ability to improve healthcare, invest in quality education, pull millions out of poverty, and guarantee the security of every citizen," he said.

ASA