Gbadebo Rhodes-Viviour criticises President Bola Tinubu’s foreign trips, saying they offer little benefit to Nigerians facing economic challenges
Gbadebo Rhodes-Viviour, former Labour Party governorship candidate for Lagos State and current African Democratic Congress, ADC, member, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips, describing them as offering minimal benefits to ordinary Nigerians.
Rhodes-Viviour made the remarks on Tuesday during the Morning Brief programme on Channels TV, highlighting the ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom amid rising fuel prices and other domestic economic challenges.
“The President has spent a significant amount of time travelling abroad while the people are experiencing extreme hardship. That is unprecedented,” Rhodes-Viviour said. “Considering the pain Nigerians are dealing with, particularly higher petrol and diesel prices, I don’t think this visit is a priority right now.”
He acknowledged that foreign trips may enhance the President’s image internationally, but questioned their impact on the everyday lives of citizens. “Visiting abroad may add legitimacy and credibility to his position as President. It is good for him, his image, and his party, but I don’t see how it benefits the average Nigerian. For him, certainly, it is beneficial,” he added.
President Tinubu is currently in the UK, accompanied by First Lady Remi Tinubu and senior officials, on a state visit scheduled from 18 to 19 March. Hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, the visit is the first by a Nigerian leader to Britain in 37 years.
The presidency has stated that the trip aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore new avenues for bilateral collaboration.
