Netizens Condemn Tinubu's Overseas Two-Week Leave, Call For Leadership By Example in Promotion of African Tourism
Nigerian citizens in the social media landscape have focused their attention on the implications of President Tinubu's choice of travelling overs for his two-week annual leave, condemning the act as a show of lack of leadership by example, calling for the promotion of African tourism by Nigerian leaders.
By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde
The Nigerian president's recent overseas vacation has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, as citizens express frustration over the leadership's decision to vacation abroad rather than promote tourism within Africa.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News observed on Twitter on Friday that many users are questioning the disconnect between the president's actions and the nation's pressing issues.
One Twitter user, @Iokekeigwe, summed up the frustration, stating, "It's only African leaders that go on vacation overseas. Since I was born, I have never seen a Western or Asian leader coming to Africa for a vacation. Who did this to us?"
"This sentiment reflects a broader disillusionment among citizens, who see their leaders consistently opting for foreign destinations rather than setting an example by investing in Africa's tourism industry."
Adding to the conversation, @GeneWorifah called for African leaders to make the continent attractive enough for world leaders to visit, saying, "When will African leaders make Africa so beautiful that European world leaders like Macron, Putin, Obama, and Xi start to take vacations here?"
The user went on to say that many African countries are "independent in name only" while still bearing names given by colonizers, suggesting that true independence requires a rethinking of priorities.
Another user, @OgaMayorr, took a critical stance against the current Government, accusing it of introducing various forms of dysfunctional Governance.
They referred to systems such as "Gerontocracy, Fulaniocracy, Agbadocracy, Judocracy, Totalitarianism, Shegetocracy, and Kleptocracy" to describe what they see as the negative influences imposed on Nigerian society.
OTN News further It's report, noting that the president's actions have been met with widespread discontent, with some calling for an end to this trend.
User @Sirkay3024 sarcastically invited those who voted for the president to welcome him back at the airport, suggesting that the position of the Nigerian president has become a "tourist position" where the leader tours countries and prioritizes personal health care while neglecting national concerns.
Another voice in the debate, @africaupdates, urged the President to consider spending his vacation in African destinations.
"We need to promote African destinations too on these annual vacations. Bring that money to some African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, or South Africa," they suggested.
In a similar vein, @yinkus42 expressed frustration over the frequent vacations, exclaiming, "Vacation again! We’ll all be alright eventually."
The sentiment was echoed by many who see the president's trips as tone-deaf to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
However, not all reactions were purely critical. User @Ashabul_Jannaah took a sarcastic jab in favor of the president, writing, "Take two months, Mr. President. You've really earned it with all the 'amazing' work you're doing for Nigerians. We'll hold the fort while you recharge for more 'good Governance.' Long live Mr. President, 2027 is definitely yours."
In addition, hypocrisy of the President's actions was highlighted by @odukoyaisaac, who pointed out that while the President calls on Nigerians in the diaspora to return home, he himself travels abroad for holidays and medical care.
They argued that these actions imply that Nigeria is insufficient even for its leader. "Given the immense challenges Nigeria faces, such overseas trips for leisure and breaks seem unnecessary," they added.
The president's overseas trip comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic instability, high inflation, and widespread security issues.
OTN News further gathered that the criticism highlights a growing frustration among Nigerians, many of whom believe that their leaders should focus on improving local conditions and setting an example by investing in African destinations.
Critics argue that such moves could not only boost the local economy but also contribute to a renewed sense of pride in Africa's potential as a global destination.
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