A political activist and former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must apologise to Nigerians for his speech described as “one of the most embarrassing” ever, as, according to him, it was filled with inconsistency and totally out of point at the ongoing COP 28 climate change event in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Frank also condemned the over 1,400 government officials and individuals in the President’s delegation to the international event.
In a statement released Tuesday in Abuja, the Bayelsa-born political activist said the large number “is not only embarrassing to Nigerians, but a shame to a government who promised to cut down on spending, but rather encouraging Estacode spending by different agencies and parastatals whose attendance has no significant benefit to the Nigerian people.”
According to Timi Frank, the speech delivered by the President, which has now become a subject of caricature to many Nigerians worldwide, has cost Nigerians over $20m, as the only African country and the 3rd nation with a large delegation of over 1,400 persons whose impact cannot be felt and has only succeeded in squandering government funds unnecessarily. Whereas China and Brazil, which are world leading economies had about 1,600 delegates and 1,500 respectively, with Nigeria coming in 3rd.
“It is sad to see many at the international event wondering how the President of Nigeria would deliver one of the most embarrassing speeches ever, filled with inconsistency and totally out of point, being presented by a world leader at this auspicious World event.
“Moreso, that this is coming at a time when many Nigerians are languishing in pernury because of the untold hardship associated with the coming of this government.
“If this speech that was read at the COP 28 was what was given to him by the experts, then they should immediately be fired for leading him astray. Nigerians cannot continue to be a joke internationally, after spending such a huge amount only to embarrass the country in this manner
“Other countries were there with very few delegations and achieved so much, but in our case it was partying and shopping without being visible in the event proper. Afterall, Nigeria has no significant carbon footprints to allow for such a huge delegation to grace the event.
“Therefore, I call on the President to immediately apologize to Nigerians and explain why the embarrassment on Nigerians in an international event. These are the reasons why investors continue to reject the idea of investing in Nigeria, because of our lack of seriousness in leadership.
“Other world leaders were very visible, initiating deals on the sidelines whereas.the delegation from Nigeria where partying and shopping around Dubai and nowhere to be found.
“This is the reason why Nigerians must support the upcoming grand diaspora protest, of Tinubu must go as this is the only way the people can have their say and save the nation.
“We are hopeful that some day, Nigerians would witness a true leader who would change the narrative for the better,” Frank stated.
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