A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, calling it “callous, indefensible and morally bankrupt” in light of the recent bombings in Maiduguri.
In a statement on Tuesday, Frank condemned Monday’s coordinated explosions near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the main market, and the post office, which reportedly killed at least 23 people and injured over 100.
“This is not just another attack – it is a national emergency. Our people are being slaughtered, our soldiers are under relentless assault, yet the President is preparing for a ceremonial outing in the UK. That is not leadership; that is abdication of responsibility,” Frank wrote.
He also criticised the size of the presidential entourage, calling it “an obscene and indefensible convoy of power,” and accused the UK government of complicity for extending the invitation while Nigeria faces widespread insecurity and national grief.
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Frank argued that the timing of the visit sends “a dangerous and insulting signal” that Nigerian lives are expendable, and contrasted Tinubu’s actions with U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he praised for taking a firm stance on Nigeria’s security challenges.
The state visit, which marks the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years, saw President Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, depart Abuja on Tuesday morning for Windsor Castle, where they will meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla from March 18 to 19.
