Arise TV Morning Show anchor, Dr. Reuben Abati, on Friday criticized state governors who abandoned their duties to accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the airport during his departure for a 10-day working vacation in Europe.
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Speaking during the “What’s Trending” segment, Abati described the action as “an utter display of sycophancy,” stressing that governors should prioritize the responsibilities of their states instead of turning the airport into a parade ground.
“Some of those governors — I don’t want to embarrass them — were at the airport just a week ago when the president returned from Brazil. Now, again, they were there yesterday to see him off. People should call their governors to account. If they have no jobs in their states, they should stop going to the airport just to say, ‘Goodbye sir, welcome sir,’” Abati said.
He noted that such behavior projects a poor image of governance and undermines the serious developmental challenges facing many states.
President Tinubu left Abuja on Thursday for France and the United Kingdom, with his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, describing the trip as part of the president’s annual leave. Tinubu was seen off at the airport by some state governors, ministers, and senior government officials.
Those present included Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos; Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo; Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; and Dr. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
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