PDP Criticizes Tinubu Over GCON Conferment on Indian PM Modi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to confer Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The opposition party described the move as “misplaced” and questioned the appropriateness of such recognition for a foreign leader, urging Tinubu to prioritize national interests.

On Sunday, the Peoples Democratic Party criticized President Bola Tinubu for awarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Nigeria’s second highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.

Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, characterized the President’s action as a case of misplaced priorities.

However, Nze Chidi Duru, the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, opposed this view by arguing that the President’s actions were not unprecedented.

The PDP’s criticism emerged shortly after Tinubu awarded Modi the nation’s highest honor at the Nigeria-India Bilateral meeting, which took place at the Presidential Residence in Abuja.

The President stated that the award was given to the Indian Prime Minister as a gesture of appreciation for their partnership and bilateral relationship.

He expressed that Nigeria greatly values its excellent relationship with India and is committed to further deepening and expanding this partnership for the mutual benefit of both friendly nations. He acknowledged India’s historical achievements, particularly noting the impressive accomplishment of winning three consecutive elections in a complex society, which garners significant respect from Nigeria.

Tinubu stated, “Today, I will bestow upon you, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s national honor—the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. This is to symbolize Nigeria’s gratitude and dedication to its partnership with India.”

Modi expressed his condolences to Nigeria regarding the recent floods that devastated several cities in the country, including Maiduguri in Borno State.

The Prime Minister of India pledged to provide Nigeria with 20 tonnes of relief supplies.

“We had a highly productive conversation with President Tinubu, focusing on accelerating our strategic partnership. There is significant potential for further growth in areas such as defense, energy, technology, trade, health care, education, and beyond,” stated Modi.

Nevertheless, the PDP expressed disappointment with Tinubu, questioning why he decided to award the second-highest national honor in the country based solely on friendship.

The member of the PDP National Working Committee stressed that while the President holds the right and discretion to bestow a national honor upon anyone, there should be specific criteria demonstrating why they merit such recognition.

“It isn’t something you simply give away for the sake of friendship or other reasons. I’m not sure what actions by the Indian Prime Minister have merited such an honor, considering that it is the second highest distinction in our country. This seems like a misplacement of priorities.”

I would have expected the President to inquire with the Indian Prime Minister about how India’s economy transitioned from being known as a center of poverty to becoming one of the fastest-growing economies today. Currently, some of the leading tech moguls worldwide are Indians.

He remarked, “Take a look at Microsoft, Silicon Valley in America, and various startups; they’re all being led and established by Indians. I would have expected Tinubu to acknowledge the gaps within his cabinet and humbly seek advice from the Prime Minister on how to aid his government as well as Nigerians. Instead of giving out unneeded awards just for photos and comments.”

The PDP leader continued to criticize the current administration, claiming it would keep engaging in what he described as performative antics.

Osadolor also speculated whether the President seized the opportunity to ask the visiting Prime Minister and his delegation pertinent questions about investments and how Nigeria might learn from India’s experiences to improve its situation.

He stated, “Tinubu is not serious. He should focus on more important issues rather than trivial matters. With the Indian Prime Minister now visiting Africa and given that Nigeria has a substantial Indian community, how can we effectively maximize and leverage these business opportunities?”

Are we focusing on the appropriate questions, pursuing suitable investments, and advocating for effective policies? The distractions from this administration are becoming overwhelming. President Tinubu needs to step away from these media strategies and concentrate on addressing the real issues.

“Nigerians are facing hunger and mortality issues, but the technologies that Indians are implementing worldwide could significantly address many of these fundamental challenges.”

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However, Duru, the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, expressed concerns that the PDP was failing to fulfill its duties as a responsible opposition.

He suggested that the first question to consider is whether there is any precedent for this. After establishing a precedent, it should be determined if Mr. President has the authority to grant such an award. If he does have this power, then it’s important to verify whether the process has been properly approved. Once all these questions are answered positively, it becomes Mr. President’s discretion as to whom he wishes to bestow such an honorary award upon.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial to emphasize that we must move beyond emotional politics to start addressing the issue at hand. Therefore, the PDP is welcome and encouraged to continue its admirable role as an opposition party.

We would prefer to see discussions focused on how we can respectfully contribute to a better and more improved Nigeria, addressing the pressing issues our country faces. This includes strategies for ensuring food security, fostering a conducive environment for business growth, and establishing an equitable playing field. Such concerns should be prioritized over less substantial pursuits.

On Sunday, Dr. Sylvester Okere, a Nigerian security expert based in the United States of America, stated that the partnership between India and Nigeria would help secure people’s assets.

Okere, who is set to be one of the distinguished guests hosted by the Central Association of Private Security Industry from November 21-22, 2024 in India, remarked that CAPSI’s invitation to attend the 19th Security Leadership Summit in New Delhi comes at a pivotal moment coinciding with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria.

Okere will discuss ‘Indian-Nigerian Partnership in Securing People and Assets,’ along with other key security challenges impacting both nations.

CAPSI, the umbrella organization for India’s private security sector, is affiliated with prominent global security education entities such as the World Association of Detectives, International Federation of Protection Officers, the US-based Association of Investigation and Security Agencies Regulators, and UK’s Security Institute. These partnerships focus on training youths and facilitating their placement in international roles.

According to Okere, the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Nigeria will facilitate high-level discussions between both Presidents aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, energy, and education.