Paul Ibe, the media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of hypocrisy in its financial practices.
Ibe’s remarks follow media reports that revealed the Nigerian government sponsored an astonishing 634 delegates to the ongoing COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The media reports further disclosed that the Nigerian delegation spent a staggering N866 million just on flight expenses, raising eyebrows about the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
In a post on social media platform X, Ibe expressed his concerns, stating: “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has unfortunately earned international infamy, setting Guinness World Records, though for all the wrong reasons.”
He pointed out the sharp contrast between the government’s calls for fiscal restraint and its actions, citing the enormous size of Nigeria’s delegations to international conferences. “A glaring example is Nigeria’s delegation to the ongoing #COP29 climate summit in Baku, where the nation now boasts the largest African contingent at the event, with a staggering 634 individuals in attendance.”
According to Business Day, the colossal number of delegates has resulted in an extraordinary N866 million spent solely on flight costs. Ibe drew attention to the fact that this follows a similar trend at the 2023 COP28 summit in Dubai, where President Tinubu’s delegation ballooned to an eye-watering 1,411 members, making Nigeria the third largest delegation worldwide, just behind the United States and China.
“While this grand display of extravagance continues, it is baffling that the same administration has been promoting the implementation of the Steve Oronsaye Report, which aims to cut down on government spending and streamline operations,” Ibe added. He noted the inconsistency in the current administration’s approach, which he described as “preaching austerity while indulging in excess.”
Ibe’s statement highlights what he sees as a significant contradiction within the government, pointing out the disparity between public messages on cost-cutting and the lavish spending on international trips, all while Nigerians are urged to tighten their belts.