The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu for conferring Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent state visit.
The PDP accused Tinubu of misplaced priorities, suggesting that the award was an unnecessary gesture based on mere friendship rather than tangible contributions or achievements.
Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, voiced his disappointment, arguing that the honor should not have been awarded without clear justification.
He questioned what Modi had done to merit the prestigious recognition, stating, “It is not something you dish out for the sake of friendship. I don’t know what the Indian Prime Minister has done to warrant such an honor.”
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Speaking to The Punch, Osadolor also expressed concerns that the President missed an opportunity to engage Modi on critical issues such as India’s economic growth and technological advancements.
He added, “I would have thought that Tinubu, in a bid to shore up the lacuna his cabinet lacks, would have been humble enough to ask the Prime Minister how India’s economy has transformed into one of the fastest-growing in the world.”
The award was conferred on Modi as part of the Nigeria/India Bilateral Meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, during which both leaders discussed ways to deepen their nations’ cooperation in areas including defense, energy, technology, trade, and education.
In his remarks, Tinubu praised Modi for his leadership and resilience, noting that the Prime Minister’s success in securing three consecutive elections in a complex society was an achievement that Nigeria respected.
Modi, in return, expressed his condolences over the recent floods in Nigeria and pledged support by sending 20 tonnes of relief materials.
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“We had a very productive discussion with President Tinubu,” Modi said. “There is immense scope for ties to flourish even further in sectors like defense, energy, technology, trade, health, and education.”
However, the PDP’s criticism extended beyond the GCON award, with Osadolor accusing the administration of engaging in media theatrics. “Tinubu should focus on the real issues. Nigerians are hungry and dying,” he said, highlighting the need for Nigeria to learn from India’s successes in technology and innovation.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) swiftly responded to the PDP’s remarks. Nze Chidi Duru, the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the APC, dismissed the opposition’s claims as unfounded, stating that the award was within the President’s discretion.
He argued, “It is important to ask if the process was approved and if it is within the power of Mr. President to confer such an award. If all conditions were met, it becomes the discretion of the President.”
Duru also expressed concern over the PDP’s approach to opposition politics, suggesting that the party should focus more on offering solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, such as economic development and job creation, rather than criticizing symbolic actions.
“We should be discussing how to create a better environment for businesses to thrive and how to put food on the table for Nigerians,” he said.
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