Large Convoy: Lead By Example – Obi Thumbs Tinubu, Others
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The Labour Party (LP) candidate in the February 25, 2023, presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, has challenged leaders at all levels in Nigeria to lead by example if they really care about the people.
He spoke against the backdrop of anger by Nigerians over what many continue to describe as the “outlandish display of power” by President Bola Tinubu during his recent official visit to Lagos State in which over 100 vehicles were sighted in the convoy.
The LP flagbearer, who was reacting to the development in Awka, the Anambra State capital, said though he was yet to see the trending video footage of the Tinubu 124-vehicle convoy, the current situation of things in the country demands that leaders at all levels of governance in Nigeria must lead by example.
The former Anambra State Governor said; “I wasn’t opportune to see the video. But let me tell you what I have always said. The present Nigeria requires that all those who serve and lead must do so by example. Their behaviour, character and their public conduct must be in consonance with what society requires today.
“We cannot continue to preach for the people to sacrifice without sacrificing too. The sacrifice must now start from the leaders, visibly, measurably at all times because the people are suffering; and we must now be at the forefront of the suffering”.
Also, a statement released late on Thursday by the Head of Obi-Datti Media Office, Mr Diran Onifade, noted that Tinubu was escorted by an unprecedented 124-vehicle convoy during the visit, a development that unfortunately demonstrated a brazen and arrogant display of state power
According to him; “Not since the creation of Nigeria by the British has such mindless and embarrassing exhibitionism been purveyed by a politician. Not even the military known for their brash and unbridled display of raw naked power dared to exhibit such recklessness.”
Onifade said like millions of Nigerians, whose sense of decency has been affronted by Tinubu’s unbridled tendency to flaunt power and position, the Obi-Datti Media joins the presidential candidate in pointing out the hypocrisy inherent in Tinubu’s action.
“For a man who promised to cut the cost of governance to be moving around with an over-bloated convoy of security details and aides, surely speaks volumes of his ‘do what I say and not what I do’ attitude”, the statement added.
Meanwhile, as Nigerians stay on their resentment of developments in the trending video, arguments have been advanced in defence of Mr President with some aides and supporters saying the convoy consisted of many other dignitaries, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, therefore, their actions cannot be blamed on President Tinubu.
