JUST IN: After Public Backlash, Tinubu Shelves Plan To Watch AFCON Final
Amid mounting criticism from Nigerians, Bola Tinubu has opted out of attending the Africa Cup of Nations final between the Nigeria Super Eagles and host country Côte d’Ivoire.
Instead, he has assigned Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead the presidential team in supporting the Nigerian squad.
The decision for Mr. Tinubu not to attend the final match on Sunday was conveyed in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson for Mr. Shettima, issued on Saturday.
Earlier, Patrice Motsepe, the head of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), had affirmed that Mr. Tinubu would be in attendance at the stadium on Sunday to witness the climax of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“Nigeria must put in a bid,” Mr Motsepe said. “The Nigerian president (Bola Tinubu) is coming to watch the final on Sunday. I will have a conversation with him about it.”
Mr. Motsepe’s remarks prompted responses from Nigerians, with many criticizing the president for his absence in consoling the victims of the Plateau Christmas Eve massacre, which claimed over 200 lives, and the recent Bodija explosion in Ibadan, resulting in five fatalities and extensive property damage.
An X user, @holusojy70, said, “He didn’t deem it fit to visit the people of Plateau during their grieving period, Ibadan blast and the victims werent of importance to Him but AFCON final is of great importance to him.”
“I hope our goals won’t be gone like SUBSIDY. He should please stay in Aso Rock and watch from there. The team will bring the trophy home for him. Let him be in charge of the economy and Shetima in charge of security. We would appreciate Obi to be with the supporters,” @oladare_ayod said on X.
