The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized Bola Tinubu for sending a “delegation of 1,411 individuals” to the Conference of the Parties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In response, the PDP has called on the National Assembly to initiate an investigation into what they deem an “embarrassing revelation” and recommended appropriate sanctions for those responsible.
In an official statement released on Sunday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party condemned the large delegation, viewing it as a manifestation of the government’s extravagant and careless use of limited national resources.
The PDP expressed concern about the current administration’s apparent lack of fiscal responsibility, particularly at a time when efficient leadership is crucial for steering the nation in the right direction.
The statement emphasized, “Our party and all well-meaning Nigerians are appalled by the level of profligacy inherent in the All Progressives Congress administration whose actions and policies so far are skewed towards the promotion and institutionalization of corruption.”
Criticizing what they perceive as an attempt to deceive the public, the PDP questioned the rationale behind such expenditures when citizens are struggling to afford basic necessities. The party asserted that the administration’s actions suggest a disregard for the well-being of the majority in favor of benefiting a privileged few.
The PDP called on the Tinubu-led Presidency to provide transparency by disclosing the names of the officially sponsored delegation, their relevance to the conference, and the total cost of the sponsorship to the nation. The party noted that Nigerians already have access to the delegation list and can identify genuine officials from sub-national governments and self-sponsored entities.
Furthermore, the PDP urged the National Assembly to fulfill its constitutional duty under Section 88 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) by promptly initiating an investigation into the matter.
The party emphasized the need to impose appropriate sanctions on individuals or institutions found culpable and demanded that President Tinubu refund any improperly spent federal funds, directing them toward projects that directly benefit the well-being of Nigerians.