A close associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced strong disapproval of what is described as President Bola Tinubu's pattern of "absentee leadership," suggesting this raises significant concerns about his dedication to the duties assigned by Nigerians.
The criticism, articulated in a statement released on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, a senior special assistant on public communication to Abubakar, comes amid broad public unease regarding the President's recent activities. Many observers interpret these actions as indicative of a worrying disconnect from the critical responsibilities of the presidency.
Shaibu's statement specifically highlighted Mr. Tinubu's recent brief trip to Jos, Plateau State, following a severe terrorist incident, as a prime example of his detached approach to leadership.
He further emphasised that it is "troubling and unacceptable" that Mr. Tinubu, after undertaking a two-day working visit to Lagos, did not make substantial public appearances at several scheduled events.
The statement singled out Mr. Tinubu’s recent stopover in Jos, Plateau State, following a devastating terrorist attack, as emblematic of his disengaged style of leadership.
Mr. Shaibu further stressed that it was “troubling and unacceptable” that Mr. Tinubu, after embarking on a two-day working visit to Lagos, failed to make meaningful appearances at several scheduled public events.
Following the Plateau visit, Mr. Tinubu proceeded to Lagos for what was officially termed a working visit. Although the presidency listed several projects slated for commissioning, Shaibu alleged that the president remained largely out of the public eye.
According to the statement, since his arrival in Lagos, Mr. Tinubu “has remained largely confined to his private residence, participating minimally in the engagements that were meant to validate the so-called working visit.”
The statement acknowledged Mr. Tinubu’s participation in the commissioning of the Iperu Airport in neighbouring Ogun State, but criticised the occasion as more akin to a political rally than a formal state ceremony.
It also pointed out that significant projects in Lagos, such as the Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Bridge and a Multi-Agency Complex, were not personally inaugurated by the president. Instead, the responsibility was delegated to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a move the opposition views as clear evidence of disengagement.
Mr. Shaibu cautioned that the current method of governance falls short of the serious obligations associated with the presidency. He stressed that leadership is not merely about ceremonial status but a profound duty demanding consistent presence, prompt responses, and an unwavering commitment to objectives.
The statement urged Mr. Tinubu to swiftly adjust his approach, fully immerse himself in the duties of his office, and demonstrate the earnestness required to confront the nation’s growing challenges.
It concluded that failing to do so would constitute a grave injustice to the Nigerian populace, who depend on active and dedicated leadership to navigate the country through its complex security, economic, and social difficulties.
Mr. Tinubu’s journey to Jos occurred against a backdrop of escalating violence in Plateau communities, where coordinated assaults on villages had resulted in substantial loss of life and displacement.
Security agencies had faced considerable pressure to control the situation, while civil society organisations and political leaders called for decisive federal intervention.
The president’s visit was anticipated to fulfill three primary aims: express solidarity with those affected, evaluate security measures, and signal enhanced federal commitment to ending the violence.
However, instead of visiting affected communities or the hospitals treating victims, his engagement was limited to the airport, leading to widespread frustration.
The perceived brevity of Mr. Tinubu’s stopover has ignited a discussion on whether these objectives were effectively achieved.
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