Obi Urges President Tinubu to Cut France Trip, Tackle Worsening Insecurity

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently end his ongoing trip to France and return to Nigeria in order to confront the deepening security crisis facing the country.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi expressed grave concern over the rising cases of violence, kidnappings, and killings occurring across several parts of the nation.

“He stated that the current security situation demands immediate attention and direct leadership from the President.

“The situation in our country is deteriorating by the day. Lives are being lost, families are being displaced, and communities are living in fear. This is not the time for private or foreign engagements. President Tinubu must return home and lead from the front,” Obi said.

Obi emphasized that Nigerians are looking to their leaders for reassurance and action, not silence or absence. He noted that while foreign trips may have their place, they are ill-timed when citizens are facing existential threats on a daily basis.

His remarks come in the wake of fresh attacks in the North-West and Middle Belt regions, where gunmen have continued to unleash violence on rural communities.

In the last week alone, dozens of lives have reportedly been lost, and several others abducted.

“The duty of the Commander-in-Chief is first and foremost to protect the lives and property of the people. Nigeria is at a critical point, and it needs leadership that is present, responsive, and committed to decisive action,” Obi added.

The Presidency has not yet issued an official response to Obi’s statement. President Tinubu’s trip to France, described by his aides as a “private visit,” has drawn criticism in recent days as the security situation at home worsens.

Security analysts and civic groups have also echoed Obi’s concerns, urging the federal government to deploy a more robust strategy to combat insecurity and restore public confidence in the country’s security architecture.

As Nigerians await further action from the government, Obi’s call underscores growing frustration among citizens who feel abandoned in the face of persistent threats to their safety.