Akande: Tinubu Should Have Visited Borno Before His London Trip

Laolu Akande, who previously served as an aide to the President, expressed that although the order for the military hierarchy to move to Borno State in light of last week’s violence was commendable, President Bola Tinubu missed a crucial chance to convey empathy and support in the wake of revived terrorist attacks impacting the North-East.

Tragically, the recent attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 23 individuals and left 108 others injured due to targeted suicide bombings at three different sites within Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

Among the targeted locations were a post office, a bustling weekly market, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, which were all struck within a brief timeframe.

These violent incidents unfolded just prior to a significant state visit to the UK.

In response to the situation, Tinubu publicly directed the Service Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri in an effort to manage the crisis. However, shortly afterward, he departed the country for London together with family and senior officials from his cabinet.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticized the timing of the President's journey, urging him to return to Nigeria without delay.

“Crucial moments like this warrant the full and undivided focus of the nation’s leaders. It is disheartening to see the President abroad while our national security is under threat from such a severe attack,” Abdullahi remarked.

During a discussion on Channels Television's 'Inside Sources' segment, Akande highlighted concerns regarding the optics of Tinubu’s trip to the UK. He posed the question, “Even if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had a prior engagement with the British Royals, could he not have made a brief stop in Maiduguri as a gesture of reassurance to the citizens before his departure to London?”

Akande further suggested that, at the very least, a personal message broadcasted to the Nigerian populace showing the President's empathy would have been appropriate, especially in light of the recent tragedies witnessed in Maiduguri.

“However, this does not imply that the President overlooked the crisis entirely, as he did issue directives for the military’s prompt deployment to Borno,” he clarified.

Nevertheless, Akande argued that, in addition to military arrangements and security measures, leadership must also demonstrate compassion and solidarity with citizens during challenging times.

“There seems to be a growing desensitization to the persistent violence that our society endures, ranging from terrorist activity to banditry and extreme acts of violence,” Akande stated.

He raised alarms over the pace and frequency of attacks across the nation, suggesting that this could lead to the normalization of such disasters in public perception, with leaders appearing disconnected from the pain experienced by the populace.

“Countless individuals are enduring hardship across various regions of the country. It feels as though we have become desensitized, with the world bearing witness to our plight as we remain spectators ourselves,” he observed.

Akande also expressed worries regarding the way Nigeria is perceived globally while the President and a considerable delegation engage in official matters in London.

“Sadly, amidst the glamour and spectacle surrounding this state visit, both the worldwide audience and local citizens are continually reminded of the terror and challenges affecting Nigeria,” he remarked.

He raised concerns about how such contrasting scenarios—grand diplomatic engagements abroad and unresolved security issues at home—could be interpreted by the international community.

“People with goodwill, who value human life, must be questioning how our leaders manage to present themselves and Nigeria on a world stage while indulging in luxuries abroad as their people suffer from relentless terrorism and pain at home,” he asserted.

Akande continued to critique what he characterized as the excessive nature of the presidential delegation accompanying the President to the UK.

“Look at the extravagance displayed during this UK visit. Numerous state governors, a plethora of ministers, and advisors joined the President and First Lady, many of whom clearly lacked specific roles during this state visit, aside from simply attending the events,” he stated.

While he acknowledged the significance of diplomatic missions and international relations, Akande insisted that such visits should not overshadow the necessity for strong, symbolic, and empathetic leadership within the country, particularly when lives are at stake.