The leadership of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has questioned and frowned at the inclusion of President Bola Tinubu’s two sons, Seyi and Yinka, in the official list of Nigeria’s delegation to Qatar.
It lamented that while Tinubu was busy deceiving Nigerians claiming seriousness about cutting down cost of governance, he was increasing such cost through the back door with a bloated list of dignitaries which includes his family members.
The CUPP’s National Secretary, Peter Ameh, who addressed newsmen in Abuja, expressed anger that slots that should have been given to professionals well equipped to negotiate a good deal for the collapsing economy and the country were endorsed for his two sons.
“In what capacity is Seyi Tinubu and Yinka Tinubu, sons of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, traveling to Qatar on the official list of Nigeria’s delegation?
“While Tinubu is busy deceiving Nigerians that he is serious about cutting down cost of governance, he is increasing such cost through the back door with a bloated list of dignitaries, which includes his family members.
“Slots that should have been given to professionals who are well equipped to negotiate a good deal for our collapsing economy and country are given to his children. His children have no idea or experience required in this business of international affairs and relations with bilateral trade between countries.
“This is why his government has brought more misery to the Nigerian people than any government in the history of our country. This is a clear case of mismanagement of public finances, and an obvious signs of corruption in government,” he insisted.
THE QATAR TRIP
On Sunday, the government of Qatar reversed its earlier position not to host a business meeting with Nigerian businesses on the sideline of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the country next month.
The Qatari embassy in Abuja in a “Note Verbale” dated 23 February to the protocol department of Nigeria’s foreign affairs ministry, said the “Qatar Chamber of Commerce will host” the Business and Investment Forum on the margins of President Tinubu’s visit.
The embassy had earlier said it could not host the side event, leading to criticisms from some Nigerians.
President Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Qatar for a State Visit on 2nd and 3rd March.
WHEN TINUBU REDUCED ENTOURAGE ON FOREIGN TRIP TO 20 OFFICIALS
In January, President Bola Tinubu approved “cost-cutting” measures that involve slashing, by 60%, official entourage on local and international travels.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Ngelale said the directive applied to the Offices of the President, Vice President, First Lady, Wife of the Vice President and all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
He said, “President Bola Tinubu has approved that anywhere he travels within this country he will no longer accept or allow huge security delegations to be following him from Abuja, which attracts massive bills with respect to estacode and duty allowances from now on.
