Gbadebo Rhodes-Viviour has criticised Bola Tinubu’s international journeys, arguing that they provide little or no profit to Nigerians amid the nation’s ongoing {economic} challenges.
Rhodes-Viviour, the former Labour Celebration (LP) governorship candidate for Lagos State in the 2023 elections, particularly questioned the president’s determination to prioritise a go to to the United Kingdom regardless of rising gasoline prices and different hardships confronted by Nigerians.
“The President has spent a important quantity of time travelling overseas whereas the folks are experiencing excessive hardship. That is unprecedented.
Contemplating the ache Nigerians are dealing with, notably increased petrol and diesel costs,
I don’t assume this go to is a precedence proper now,” Rhodes-Viviour, now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), mentioned on Tuesday in an interview.
He added, “Visiting overseas might add legitimacy and credibility to his place as President. It is good for him, his picture, and his social gathering, however I don’t see how it advantages the common Nigerian.
“This is a President who spends appreciable time outdoors the nation, and I do not really see the worth for the folks. For him, actually, it is useful.”
President Tinubu is at the moment on a state go to to the UK, accompanied by the First Woman, Remi Tinubu, and different high officers. The go to, hosted by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, will take place at Windsor Fort from March 18 to 19.
The presidency said that the journey goals to strengthen bilateral relations and discover additional avenues for collaboration. It is the first go to by a Nigerian chief to the UK in 37 years, highlighting the historic ties between the two international locations.
Whereas the go to underscores diplomatic relations, critics and opposition figures have continued to name on Tinubu to focus on addressing Nigeria’s home challenges reasonably than partaking in frequent international travels.