Amid worsening insecurity and national distress, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend his stay in France and return to address pressing issues confronting the country.

Obi, in a strongly worded statement on Sunday, criticized the President’s absence, likening Nigeria to a troubled company whose CEO is on retreat in a faraway land.

“In the two weeks since President Tinubu left the country, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives due to escalating insecurity—particularly in Plateau and Zamfara states,” Obi stated. “Repeated pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, and the resurgence of insurgency in the North-East, especially in Borno, where both troops and civilians are being killed, reflect a nation in crisis. In the South-East, killings and abductions continue unchecked.”

He decried the President’s continued stay abroad while these tragedies unfold at home, adding:
“Amid all this, the CEO of the troubling company called Nigeria is retreating in a faraway land—France—far removed from the company’s headquarters.”

In his formal statement titled "Mr. President, Domestic Problems Beckon," Obi said:

“I am compelled at this moment in our national life to draw the attention of our retreating President to the urgent security challenges at home. It is imperative that he suspends his ongoing retreat abroad and returns to confront the worsening state of affairs.

This call has become necessary given the rising incidents of crime and violence across the country, coupled with an apparent vacuum in governance. In just two weeks, over 150 citizens have been killed—especially in Plateau and Zamfara States.

The repeated pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta further underline a nation in distress. Borno State leaders are crying out over renewed insurgency, while the South-East continues to grapple with violent attacks and abductions.

At a time when our nation bleeds, the President remains on retreat in a peaceful foreign country—while blood flows at home.

The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. One wonders what kind of retreat is taking place in a foreign land that has already secured peace, while Nigeria remains in turmoil.”

Obi emphasized that leadership is not about personal comfort but about responsibility and service to the people. He urged the President to return and take charge of the situation.

“The fight for a better Nigeria is not about individuals—it’s about ensuring that every Nigerian sees, feels, and benefits from purposeful governance,” he concluded. “Mr. President must come home and lead from the front. That is the New Nigeria the people yearn for.

A New Nigeria is Possible.”