PDP slams Tinubu over conferment of GCON on Indian PM

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu for awarding the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The PDP argued that this recognition was a “misplaced priority” and questioned the criteria for such an honour being extended to a foreign leader.

Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, condemned the decision as unnecessary, stating that it failed to address Nigeria’s pressing needs.

“Such honours are not meant to be handed out casually in the name of friendship,” Osadolor said. “I am unsure of what the Indian Prime Minister has accomplished to merit such recognition. This is the second-highest honour, and it seems misplaced.”

Osadolor went on to suggest that President Tinubu would have done better to seek insights from Modi on India’s economic transformation. “I would have thought the President would inquire about how India transitioned from poverty challenges to becoming one of the fastest-growing economies globally.

Many of today’s tech giants are led by Indians, with a strong presence in Silicon Valley and global startups. Instead of giving unnecessary awards, Tinubu could have sought advice from Modi on strengthening his government and the Nigerian economy,” Osadolor commented.

On the other hand, Nze Chidi Duru, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Organising Secretary, defended President Tinubu’s decision, asserting that it was well within the President’s authority to grant such honours.

Duru argued that the PDP should provide constructive criticism rather than “chasing shadows.”

Duru stated, “The relevant questions are whether there is a precedent for this and if the President is empowered to confer such an award. If the answer is yes, then it’s within his discretion to do so.

“The PDP should focus on addressing issues that truly matter, like improving the economy, supporting businesses, and creating fair opportunities, rather than focusing on trivial matters.”

He added that the opposition should prioritize suggesting meaningful ways to improve Nigeria, highlighting issues like food security and economic growth, rather than criticizing symbolic gestures.