Kehinde Fajobi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Tinubu for awarding India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, during the Nigeria-India Bilateral meeting in Abuja.
President Tinubu explained that the honour symbolised Nigeria’s appreciation for its partnership with India, stating, “Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India. We work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries.
“Winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much. I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger.
“This signifies Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner.”
Modi, in turn, expressed solidarity with Nigeria over recent floods and pledged 20 tonnes of relief materials.
“We had a very productive discussion with President Tinubu. We talked about adding momentum to our strategic partnership. There is immense scope for ties to flourish even further in sectors like defence, energy, technology, trade, health, education, and more,” he said.
However, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor described the decision as a “misplacement of priorities,” The Punch reports.
He argued that while the President has the prerogative to confer national honours, such awards should not be given “for the sake of friendship.”
Osadolor stated, “I don’t know what the Indian Prime Minister has done to warrant such an honour. This is the second-highest honour in the land. It is a misplacement of priorities. I would have thought the President should have asked how India moved from being the poverty capital of the world to one of the fastest-growing economies.
“Instead, he is dishing out unnecessary awards that the man doesn’t need other than for pictures and commentary.”
He criticised the administration for focusing on “media gimmicks” while neglecting pressing national issues.
“Nigerians are hungry and dying. The technologies the Indians are deploying globally could solve many basic challenges here. Tinubu should wake up and focus on the real issues,” he added.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), however, defended Tinubu’s decision. Deputy National Organising Secretary Nze Chidi Duru argued that the President acted within his authority.
“The question to ask is whether there is a precedent and whether it is within the confines of Mr President’s power to confer such an award. Once these are affirmed, it becomes his discretion.
“The PDP should focus on constructive opposition, addressing how to create a better environment for business, jobs, and improved living conditions,” he said.