The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has voiced criticism towards Bola Tinubu for the extensive entourage accompanying him to the ongoing COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Atiku said Tinubu transformed the global summit on climate change into a lavish and indiscriminate gathering resembling an ‘Owambe’ celebration, owing to his sizable entourage.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku asserted that Tinubu seems to lack an understanding or appreciation for the significant economic challenges facing Nigeria, which have been exacerbated by what Atiku perceives as failed economic policies under Tinubu’s leadership.
Atiku emphasized that the COP28 summit aims to enhance the well-being of individuals, ensure clean air and water, provide healthy food for everyone, safeguard nature, and secure a safe and sustainable future—rather than being a mere extravagant celebration.
According to Atiku, “How will the head of a government turn a conference of climate change to a jamboree, all-comers and ‘owambe’ party of over 1,400 delegates? It is ridiculous and a confirmation that he is still in a slumber as far as governance is concerned.
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“The economic dire straits that Nigeria is facing demand that its leaders cut their coats according to the cloth available. It makes no sense for us to continue to borrow money to throw a street party outside the country.
“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.”