The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu for conferring the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit.
Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, described the award as a “misplaced priority.” According to Osadolor, while the President holds the prerogative to confer national honors, such gestures should be based on clear, deserving criteria.
He remarked, “It is not something you dish out for the sake of friendship and all of that. I don’t know what the Indian Prime Minister has done to have warranted such an honour. But this is the second highest honour in the land. It is a misplacement of priorities.”
Osadolor suggested the President could have used the opportunity to discuss strategies for economic transformation, citing India’s technological advancements and economic growth.
On his part, Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for the award, stating it symbolized the strong bilateral relationship between Nigeria and India. Modi also promised to support Nigeria with 20 tonnes of relief materials in response to the recent floods ravaging parts of the country.
President Tinubu justified the award during the Nigeria-India bilateral meeting in Abuja, 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.”
However, Osadolor continued to criticize Tinubu’s administration, alleging a focus on “frivolities” rather than addressing pressing national issues. He further questioned whether the visit leveraged India’s strengths in technology and business to benefit Nigeria.
In contrast, the All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the President’s action. APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, emphasized that Tinubu acted within his powers, stating, “Once all these questions are answered in the affirmative, it then becomes the discretion of Mr. President to confer such honorary award on whom he pleases.”
Duru urged the PDP to prioritize constructive opposition by focusing on issues like food security, business environment improvements, and policies that address Nigerians’ welfare.
Meanwhile, a Nigerian security expert based in the United States, Dr. Sylvester Okere, highlighted the importance of the Indian-Nigerian partnership. Speaking ahead of his participation in the 19th Security Leadership Summit in New Delhi, Okere noted the visit could deepen cooperation in trade, technology, and security.
Okere stated, “This visit to Nigeria by the Indian Prime Minister will pave the way for high-level discussions between the two Presidents, focusing on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, energy, and education.”
The summit, organized by the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI), underscores growing ties between Nigeria and India’s private security and business sectors.
