Reports have emerged that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has added his voice to the growing chorus denouncing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his extravagant 120-car convoy. Following his return from a recent trip to London, President Tinubu headed to his residence in Lagos State to celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir festival. However, it was the sheer magnitude of his motorcade that captured the attention of onlookers, consisting of over 100 SUVs and luxury buses, creating a spectacle as it made its way to his home in Boudillon, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The extravagant display of the convoy has sparked widespread discussion across the nation. Joining the reaction, Peter Obi, known for his frequent social commentary, took to Twitter on Friday morning to express his disapproval. He stated, “Yesterday at the final commendation service of the Late Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa in Awka, I was ambushed by a group of journalists who asked me to comment on the life of the late clergyman. Promptly, they sought my opinion on a video they said was making the rounds online, allegedly showing Mr President moving with about a 120-car convoy. While I have not had the opportunity of seeing the said video, my advice remains consistent – that sacrifices for a better Nigeria must start from the leaders at all levels of government because the people have always made painful sacrifices, and the leaders must lead by example. The quality of leadership cannot be measured by the size and length of an official motorcade. The present Nigeria requires that those who serve must serve prudently and with a sense of selfless sacrifice.”
Obi emphasized the need for leaders to demonstrate responsible behavior, character, and attitude that reflect the solutions to the challenges facing Nigerians, as the people are currently suffering in the country. He urged the people to bear the present hardships patiently for a better tomorrow, while calling on the leaders to live more frugally and act more responsibly for a better society. Obi emphasized the importance of drastically cutting the cost of governance and investing in various aspects of human development that will enhance the lives of the Nigerian people.