Atiku mocks Tinubu for tuning COP28 Dubai summit into ‘owambe’

The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s substantial entourage to the ongoing COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Atiku characterized Tinubu’s attendance as transforming the global change summit into an ‘Owambe’ all-comers jamboree, referencing a popular Nigerian term for a lavish and celebratory event.

In a statement released by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku remarked that Tinubu’s approach to the COP28 summit demonstrated a lack of understanding and appreciation for the severe economic challenges facing Nigeria, which Atiku attributes to Tinubu’s failed economic policies.

Atiku stressed the significance of the COP28 summit, stating that its focus is on enhancing lives, promoting clean air and water, ensuring healthy food for all, preserving nature, and securing a safe and sustainable future. He criticized the large delegation, stating, “How will the head of a government turn a conference of climate change into a jamboree, all-comers, and ‘owambe’ party of over 1,400 delegates? It is ridiculous and a confirmation that he is still in a slumber as far as governance is concerned.”

Addressing the economic challenges facing Nigeria, Atiku urged leaders to be mindful of fiscal responsibility, stating, “The economic dire straits that Nigeria is facing demand that its leaders cut their coats according to the cloth available. It makes no sense for us to continue to borrow money to throw a street party outside the country.”

Atiku called on the leader of the Nigerian delegation to recognize the true purpose of COP28UAE, emphasizing that it is about improving lives, ensuring clean air and water, providing healthy food, and securing a safe and sustainable future, rather than hosting a lavish gathering of over 1,400 delegates.