‘Return home and govern, Nigeria is burning’ – Open letter to President Tinubu sparks controversy
A scathing open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu has ignited widespread debate and concern about the state of the nation. Written by Chief Blakey Okwudili Ijezie, FCA, the letter lambasts the President’s frequent foreign trips, accusing him of prioritizing “tourism” over governance.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on numerous overseas trips, visiting countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and St. Lucia, among others. While these trips have been touted as opportunities for diplomatic engagement and economic partnerships, critics argue that they have yielded little tangible benefits for Nigerians.
The letter, which has gone viral on social media, asserts that Nigeria is “on the edge of collapse” with pressing issues such as insecurity, inflation, and unemployment left unattended. Ijezie criticizes the President’s absence from the country, stating that “leadership is not a passport stamp collection contest” and that “presence is policy.”
“While you globe-trot from St. Lucia to Brazil, Boko Haram reloads, bandits collect taxes, Fulani herdsmen ravage farmlands in Benue and Plateau, food prices rise faster than hope, and the naira weeps in the marketplace,” the letter reads.
The letter highlights the dire state of the nation, citing inflation above 34%, unaffordable food and fuel prices, and a security crisis that has rendered the country vulnerable to attacks. Ijezie urges the President to “come home” and focus on fixing the nation’s problems rather than attending international summits and engaging in “protocol parades.”
“Your absence is felt, Mr. President. The Nigerian people are crying out for leadership, not tourism. It’s time to prioritize the nation’s problems over personal interests,” the letter adds.
The letter’s strong language and pointed criticism have sparked reactions from Nigerians, with many calling for the President to take immediate action to address the country’s challenges. Others have defended the President’s diplomatic efforts, arguing that they are essential for Nigeria’s global influence.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the open letter has brought attention to the nation’s pressing issues and the need for effective leadership. Will the President heed the call to action, or will the status quo continue? Only time will tell.
In the midst of this controversy, Nigerians are left to wonder what the President’s priorities truly are. Is it the welfare of the nation, or is it personal aggrandizement? The answer, only time will tell.
