Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has questioned the long absence of President Bola Tinubu from Nigeria.

In a post on his verified X handle on Monday, Obi said the president’s choice to stay away from the country over a long period of time is no longer governance but neglect.

The former Anambra state governor lamented that the lack of Tinubu’s presence starkly contrasts with what is obtainable in developing nations where leaders step up in times of crisis.

“In Nigeria, following U.S. military strikes on our soil, our President remained silent. Instead of directly addressing the nation, Nigerians learned about these critical events from foreign media, American officials, and the vague communications from the Presidency’s aides known for their propaganda, rather than from their own leader.

“In the midst of this chaos, where has our President been? Spending 196 days abroad in 2025 alone, more than he has spent within his own country, at a time when we face profound crises.

“Since December 2025, Nigerians have not heard a word from their President. Reports indicate he opted for a holiday in Europe while the nation was plunged into a New Year marked by hunger, anxiety, and uncertainty. There was no New Year address, no national broadcast, no leadership voice to provide reassurance or guidance.

“This is not governance; it’s neglect. The President was seen abroad yet again for another summit while remaining absent from his own country when he is needed the most. Earlier this year, he even sent an AI-generated image to the nation instead of addressing his people face-to-face,” he wrote.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Sunday ahead of his participation in the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which begins on Monday.

The President’s plane landed at the Presidential Wing of Zayed International Airport at exactly 11:30 pm local time.

He was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; and members of the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi.

Several other ministers, including the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed, welcomed President Tinubu at his hotel.

President Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi from Europe, where he spent part of his end-of-year break, engaging in fruitful discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, with the theme “The Nexus of Next, All Systems Go,” is a global platform that brings together world leaders, policymakers, investors, and experts to advance dialogue and action on sustainable development, climate action, energy transition, and inclusive economic growth.

This visit further reinforces the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, while positioning Nigeria as an active contributor to global conversations on sustainable development.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
January 11, 2026

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appealed to residents to remain calm as the State House of Assembly advances moves to impeach him.

The governor made the appeal on Sunday during a church service in Port Harcourt held to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He reassured the congregation that the situation would be resolved.

Governor Fubara explained that his silence amid the unfolding developments was intentional, stating that his confidence and resilience are rooted in his faith in God.

Referring to comments he made during the New Year banquet at the Government House, the governor remarked that “dogs bark when they do not understand”.

In her address, the Deputy Governor of the state, Professor Ngozi Odu, who also addressed the worshippers, encouraged the public to conduct themselves responsibly, echoing the message of the Dean of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Blessing Eyinda, who had emphasized in his sermon that every action would one day be remembered.