In a scathing rebuke, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, has taken aim at President Bola Tinubu for his ostentatious entourage of 1,411 delegates to the ongoing COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Atiku expressed his dissatisfaction, accusing Tinubu of transforming the global event into an ‘Owambe’ all-comers jamboree.
The former vice president asserted that Tinubu’s apparent lack of understanding or appreciation for the severity of Nigeria’s economic challenges, resulting from what Atiku deemed as failed economic policies, was evident in the extravagant delegation.
In a statement relayed by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku emphasized the essence of the COP28 summit, underscoring its focus on improving lives, ensuring clean air and water, and promoting healthy food for all, in addition to safeguarding the environment for a secure future.
Atiku criticized the conversion of such a vital gathering into what he deemed an exorbitant party.
“How will the head of a government turn a conference on climate change into a jamboree, an all-comers, and ‘Owambe’ party with over 1,400 delegates?
It is ridiculous and a confirmation that he is still in a slumber as far as governance is concerned,” remarked Atiku, questioning the appropriateness of such a lavish display on the international stage.
Atiku drew attention to the economic challenges confronting Nigeria, asserting that responsible leadership demanded a more prudent approach.
He questioned the rationale behind borrowing money to finance what he likened to a “street party” held outside the country.
Atiku asserted that the dire economic straits facing Nigeria necessitated a more responsible fiscal approach.
“The leader of the Nigerian delegation should be reminded: COP28UAE is about improving lives, about clean air and water, healthy food, for all people, for nature, for a safe and secure future, and not for a jamboree of over 1,400 Owambe delegates,” Atiku declared, urging a reevaluation of priorities and a commitment to the substantive goals of the climate summit.
Atiku’s critique underscored the ongoing debate surrounding the responsible use of resources and the alignment of governmental actions with the pressing issues facing the nation.
As the COP28 summit continued, the remarks by the PDP presidential candidate ignited discussions on the role of political leaders in ensuring a meaningful representation of their countries on the global stage, particularly in addressing critical matters like climate change.
