APGA SWAYS INTO PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU QATAR VISIT: THE IMPACT! – WRITTEN BY NDUKA ANYANWU, SA, MEDIA TO THE APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, BARRISTER SLY EZEOKENWA.
The reported visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Qatar has generated attention and discussion, particularly regarding the impacts and controversies surrounding the trip. Here are some potential impacts and concerns that may arise at the end of the visit:
BILATERAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION: The stated purpose of President Tinubu’s visit is to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation between Nigeria and Qatar. The visit may provide an opportunity to explore potential investments, trade partnerships, and collaborations in various sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, and finance. The impacts of such cooperation could potentially lead to increased economic activity, job creation, and mutual benefits for both countries.
DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS: The visit can also contribute to strengthening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Qatar. It may involve discussions on political issues, regional security, and cooperation on international matters of common interest. Building and nurturing diplomatic ties can have long-term implications for both countries in terms of mutual support, collaboration, and regional influence.
PERCEIVED NEPOTISM AND MISUSE OF PUBLIC FUNDS: The leaked information about the inclusion of President Tinubu’s sons in the official delegation has raised concerns about nepotism and the potential misuse of public funds. In a country where economic struggles are prevalent, the inclusion of family members with no clear official roles in a presidential entourage can be seen as a misuse of resources and lack of transparency. This situation may lead to public scrutiny and demands for accountability.
PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND TRUST: The optics of including family members in official delegations is already raising questions about the commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. It may erode public trust and confidence in the government, particularly if there is a perception that public funds are being used for personal or familial interests. This can have broader implications for the government’s credibility and its ability to address pressing socio- economic challenges.
CALLS FOR GUIDELINES AND TRANSPARENCY: The controversy surrounding the inclusion of family members in the delegation highlights the need for clear guidelines and transparency regarding the composition of presidential entourages. Calls may arise for the establishment of official protocols and criteria to determine who can be included in such delegations, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This visit has some political implications both domestically and internationally. Domestically, it can be seen as a reflection of the government’s commitment to engaging with other nations and pursuing its foreign policy objectives. Internationally, such visits can signal a country’s desire to strengthen its position on the global stage, bolster regional alliances, or seek support for specific initiatives or positions. However, with the nature of of the political atmosphere in Nigeria, one would want to believe, it will take a committed government to scale through pull down the needed investment.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT TINUBU IS SAYING During the signing ceremony at the Qatar Presidential Palace, President Tinubu communicated to his host Nigeria’s readiness to attract investors, highlighting the current reforms that support innovation, investment returns, and multiculturalism.
“Our greatest strength is our people. Our strength lies in the capacity of Nigerian youths. They have energy, talent, and self-belief. They are quality partners for Qatari industry. They are educated and reliable, and they are proactively seeking to add value wherever they are.
“We have seen clearly the rapid pace and thorough quality of Qatar’s development process. It is impossible not to be moved by what you have accomplished. The leadership in the country has proven its mettle, and we are here to gain deeper insight.
“There is nowhere in the world where you will find return on investment at the level of what you will see in Nigeria. A massive market of over 200 million skilled Nigerians, always industrious and ready to work.
“We face some short-term turbulence at the moment, but we have a government today that reflects the dynamism and talent of the Nigerian people. We are implementing the right solutions. This team works collaboratively with each other and our partners. Nigeria is ready for serious business,” the President stated.
WHAT THE QATARI GOVERNMENT HIS HIGHNESS, SHEIKH TAMIM IS SAYING On his part, the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasized that Qatar is open to President Tinubu’s investment push, recalling that he traveled to Nigeria in 2019 owing to his belief that Nigeria is an important and strategic ally on its own and within the context of its role in regional affairs.
“I have no doubt about the great capacity of the Nigerian people. Everywhere in the world, they are known for their brilliance and hard work.
“We only need to ensure that this is happening inside of Nigeria rather than outside. The investments we have made around the world have been very fruitful.
“This is because we take our time and study opportunities before we invest the commonwealth of our people. It is not my money. The money we invest belongs to the future generations of Qatar.
“Mr. President, I am very encouraged by your actions and your passion for creating new opportunities. We are very open to this, and follow-up is everything at this point. The will is there for both of us, but we must follow up. I will send a team of officials to Nigeria after Ramadan, and we will advance discussions on what some of the actionable investment opportunities are,” the Qatari leader said.
It is important to note that the actual impacts and outcomes of President Tinubu’s visit to Qatar may differ in terms of real implementations due to largely the leadership instability of the country where there is hardship, hunger, unemployment, insecurity and lots more. APGA is of the opinion that along drawing down investment, a scale of priority needs to be put in place to ensure adequate security, food sufficiency, and largely political stability.
For and on-behalf of Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, APGA National Chairman
