His Foreign Trips Not Beneficial — Rhodes-Viviour Criticises Tinubu’s UK Visit

Gbadebo Rhodes-Viviour has criticised Bola Tinubu’s foreign trips, arguing that they offer little or no benefit to Nigerians amid the country’s ongoing economic challenges.

Rhodes-Viviour, the former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate for Lagos State in the 2023 elections, specifically questioned the president’s decision to prioritise a visit to the United Kingdom despite rising fuel costs and other hardships faced by Nigerians.

“The President has spent a significant amount of time travelling abroad while the people are experiencing extreme hardship. That is unprecedented.

Considering the pain Nigerians are dealing with, particularly higher petrol and diesel prices,

I don’t think this visit is a priority right now,” Rhodes-Viviour, now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said on Tuesday in an interview.

He added, “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.

“This is a President who spends considerable time outside the country, and I do not truly see the value for the people. For him, certainly, it is beneficial.”

President Tinubu is currently on a state visit to the UK, accompanied by the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, and other top officials. The visit, hosted by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, will take place at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.

The presidency stated that the trip aims to strengthen bilateral relations and explore further avenues for collaboration. It is the first visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, highlighting the historical ties between the two countries.

While the visit underscores diplomatic relations, critics and opposition figures have continued to call on Tinubu to focus on addressing Nigeria’s domestic challenges rather than engaging in frequent foreign travels.