While Nigeria grapples with a series of escalating crises, including insecurity and an education system in disarray, President Tinubu’s ongoing eight-day state visit to St. Lucia has sparked controversy. Critics argue that the timing of the visit is inappropriate, given the nation’s ongoing security challenges and social unrest.
The President’s trip to St. Lucia has been defended by his handlers, who cite cultural ties and economic opportunities, as well as his planned participation in the BRICS summit. However, many Nigerians are questioning the decision to spend eight days abroad while the country is reeling from multiple crises.
A Nation in Crisis
Reports indicate that at least 37 people were killed in a Boko Haram attack in Yobe State on the same day that the President received honours and titles in St. Lucia. In Kwara State, residents have taken to the streets to protest unemployment, banditry, and worsening insecurity.
The country’s educational system is also facing significant challenges, with many teachers protesting after not being paid for almost three years. Schools across Nigeria remain closed, leaving millions of children without an education.
The decision to embark on an eight-day state visit at a time when the country is suffering from insecurity, unpaid teachers, and a failing healthcare system has been labelled as misguided by many Nigerians.
Critics Question the President’s Priorities
Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 Presidential election, raised concerns over the timing of the visit. “At this critical time, Nigeria is bleeding,” Obi said. “The President should be focused on addressing the issues facing Nigerians, not collecting titles abroad.”
Since the President’s departure, Nigerian security forces have reported multiple casualties across the country. More than 200 Nigerians have reportedly died in various crisis-related incidents since the President left for St. Lucia. This number exceeds the number of civilian casualties in Russia, a country currently engaged in war.
The President’s Domestic Engagement
Despite the growing crisis, the President has not visited some of Nigeria’s most troubled states, such as Niger, Taraba, or Plateau. Instead, he has spent time in Lagos and Katsina, with many critics pointing out that he has not spent a night in many of the states suffering from the highest levels of insecurity.
BRICS Summit Justification
Supporters of the trip have pointed to the upcoming BRICS summit as a justification for the President’s absence. However, it is noteworthy that several BRICS nations, including China and Russia, have decided not to send their leaders to the summit. China has cited scheduling conflicts, while Russia is unable to attend due to the ongoing war.
In contrast, India’s Prime Minister is using the same period to attend the BRICS summit and undertake a five-nation tour, highlighting the differing priorities of world leaders when addressing their respective national issues.
The Need for Leadership in Times of Crisis
The ongoing security and economic crises in Nigeria require urgent leadership. While the President is abroad, the country’s schools remain closed, teachers continue to protest, and families are fleeing their homes due to insecurity. Nigeria’s citizens have expressed their frustration with the government’s failure to address their needs, as evidenced by the ongoing protests in various states.
Many Nigerians believe that the President’s absence from the country during this critical time sends the wrong message to the people. “A nation in pain cannot afford a leadership in denial,” Obi concluded.