A former presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, has come to the defence of President Bola Tinubu amid growing criticism regarding his recent trip to the United Kingdom for a two-week holiday.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Lagos, Okupe described the criticisms as “uninformed.”
The comments from Okupe follow a wave of backlash against the President for choosing to vacation abroad rather than remain in Nigeria during a time of economic challenges. Critics have questioned the appropriateness of the trip, arguing that the President should be present to address pressing national issues.
Okupe, who previously served as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign, emphasized that a well-rested leader can make more informed and effective decisions. He encouraged Nigerians to consider the larger picture of leadership and governance, rather than fixating on the temporary absence of their leader.
He said, “Personally, from my understanding of how Presidents behave in periods of national crisis, I believe the President has willfully separated himself from officials, friends and associates to reflect and review the last 17 months and chart a new way forward for his administration.
“At the same time, it is to carefully avoid undue interference from political associates, in his thought process to rejig his cabinet.
“Staying anywhere in Nigeria definitely will not afford him such a peaceful and serene atmosphere to achieve his objective.”
He expressed the belief that the President’s return after “this retreat” would signal good tidings for the people of Nigeria and bring about the much-needed comfort and succour for our teeming masses.
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