Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed strong disapproval of the reported oversized delegation headed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai.
In a statement from his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku questioned the appropriateness of the delegation’s size and nature, suggesting that Tinubu may lack an understanding of Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Atiku raised concerns about the transformation of a climate change conference into what he deemed a “jamboree, all-comers, and ‘owambe’ party” with over 1,400 delegates, characterizing it as a situation lacking awareness and responsibility in governance.
The statement underscored Nigeria’s economic hardships, emphasizing the imperative for leaders to align their actions with the available resources.
Atiku criticized the use of borrowed funds for what he referred to as a “street party” held abroad, highlighting the perceived dissonance between the goals of COP28—focused on improving lives, clean air, healthy food, and a secure future—and the alleged extravagant delegation.
“The economic dire straits that Nigeria is facing demand that its leaders cut their coats according to the cloth available,” the statement emphasized, calling for a more prudent and responsible approach to governance and resource utilization.
Atiku’s comments contribute to the growing criticism surrounding the purported misuse of resources and the size of the Nigerian delegation at COP28.
