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Obi urge Tinubu to Lead by example by using Nigeria's healthcare services for his medical needs
NIGERIA- The Labour Party's candidate for the presidency in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to lead by example by using Nigeria's healthcare services for his medical needs rather than seeking treatment abroad.
Obi, who previously served as the governor of Anambra State, emphasized that this action would help build trust in the country's health institutions and reduce the persistent issue of medical tourism.
However, the ruling All Progressives Congress cautioned Obi against inciting the public against President Tinubu, especially regarding his assertion that the President has not effectively tackled the escalating economic and security issues during his first 18 months in office.
During a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Obi encouraged the President to consider utilizing facilities such as the National Hospital in Abuja or any of the Federal Medical Centres throughout the nation.
“It is essential for you to tour our national hospitals. For example, you might consider having your next medical check-up at one of our National Hospitals or regional FMCs located in Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi, Calabar, Umuahia, or Akure, among others,” Obi stated.
“This will enable you to evaluate the condition of healthcare facilities accessible to Nigerians. It will also assist you in understanding the state of our hospitals and clinics, allowing you to make well-informed decisions on how to enhance and improve their efficiency.”
In the last 18 months of his administration, President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have collectively made 42 trips to 27 countries, spending over 180 days abroad. Tinubu himself has spent 124 days overseas, visiting 16 countries on 29 trips, leading to speculation that some of these visits, especially to France, were for medical purposes.
Obi emphasized the importance of President Tinubu taking responsibility as a leader by confronting critical issues directly. He also encouraged the President to travel by road to witness the condition of the nation’s highways.
“You could take short journeys, for instance, from Calabar in Cross River State to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, which is less than 100 km, or from Benin in Edo State to Warri in Delta State,” Obi proposed.
He reminisced about a similar occasion during his governorship when he took former President Olusegun Obasanjo on a federal highway trip from Awka to Onitsha.
He remarked, “You can take short trips, for example, from Calabar in Cross River State to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, a distance of less than 100 km, or from Benin in Edo State to Warri in Delta State. I remember taking President Olusegun Obasanjo on a journey from Awka to Onitsha on a federal highway during my time as Governor of Anambra State. That trip prompted him to immediately authorize the reconstruction of parts of the road by the Anambra State government, with subsequent reimbursement from the federal government. Such actions are incredibly valuable.
“Making both unplanned and scheduled visits to our tertiary institutions, where our children and future leaders are being educated, is crucial to familiarize yourself with the existing infrastructure, facilities, and amenities. These visits will offer valuable insights into whether the resources of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund are being utilized effectively and what is necessary to sustain the education system.”
Regarding political matters, Obi dismissed rumors of a merger with the People’s Democratic Party or the New Nigeria People’s Party. His clarification came two days after NNPP’s presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, denied any knowledge of such an agreement. Obi stressed that he had no formal arrangement with any political party but called on all supporters of democracy to unite and remove the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
In response, the APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Obi of hypocrisy, stating that his New Year’s message is ‘misleading and seems aimed at scoring cheap political points.’ Morka asserted that the claim depicted the former governor as a leading ‘doomsayer’ at a time when all indicators suggest the country is making significant progress across various sectors.
He stated, “In reality, 18 months later, the economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a consistent record of advancement. Despite these and other initial positive outcomes of ongoing reforms, the administration is intensifying its efforts to ensure that their full benefits are realized for the transformation of our country.
“It is ironic that Obi, who now claims to possess all-encompassing knowledge and wisdom regarding our nation’s challenges, left no record of significant accomplishments, let alone any transformation, during his eight-year tenure as Governor of Anambra State. Like his counterparts in the PDP, Obi’s obsessive pessimism and relentless but fruitless attempts to incite public outrage against the administration stem from the realization that Tinubu is inadvertently solidifying their political irrelevance through his visionary and vigorous reforms.
“Under the banner of the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu is diligently reshaping our nation’s fortunes. We urge Nigerians to remain optimistic about the brighter days ahead.”
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