Analyst Criticizes Presidency for Oversized Delegation at COP28

On the Sunday Politics Show on Channels TV, Jideofor Adibe, a Professor of Political Science, criticized the Presidency for the excessive number of delegates, which he deemed “bloated,” attending the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, UAE. Adibe expressed concern over the 1411 Nigerian delegates accompanying President Tinubu, raising doubts about the government’s commitment to reducing the cost of governance and showing compassion for the struggling masses.

Adibe highlighted the contradiction between the President’s promises to trim governance expenses and the extravagant representation at the summit. He remarked, “Amid the binge on loans and borrowings, and the increasing hardship and increasing emigration of Nigerians, these things happening, is not just that it raises the question about fidelity to cutting down the cost of governance, but also the question of whether there is even compassion for suffering Nigerians because if there is compassion for what is going on in the country at the moment, people (government officials) should also be sensitive to the optics about the whole thing.”

The professor criticized the government for funding the transportation of the delegates from Nigeria to Dubai. Additionally, he revealed that the government would cover daily “Estacodes of about $900” for the delegates, along with hotel expenses for the two-week summit. Adibe emphasized that delegates accompanying the President should possess expertise in specific roles, suggesting that no more than three ministers should attend international events like the COP 28 Climate Summit.

Adibe called on President Tinubu to align actions with words by taking steps to reduce the government’s cost. He urged the President to sanction officials responsible for the large delegation in Dubai, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to the commitment to streamline governance expenses.

In this context, the concerns raised by Adibe shed light on broader issues related to government spending, transparency, and accountability. The analysis prompts a critical examination of the government’s priorities, especially in the face of economic challenges and public hardship. As the nation grapples with various socio-economic issues, the optics of a sizable and costly delegation to an international summit raise questions about the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and addressing the pressing needs of its citizens.

While attending international events is essential for diplomatic engagement and global cooperation, the appropriateness of the scale of representation and associated costs comes under scrutiny. Adibe’s call for President Tinubu to take decisive actions to rectify the situation underscores the importance of leadership accountability and adherence to promises made to the citizens. As the discourse unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government responds to these concerns and whether measures will be taken to align its actions with the imperative of responsible governance.