BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s planned state visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as “callous, indefensible and morally bankrupt” in the wake of renewed bombings in Maiduguri.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Frank said the coordinated explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening, including areas around the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the main market and the post office, exposed civilians to mass casualties and underscored what he termed a failing security architecture.
He cited official figures indicating that no fewer than 23 persons were killed while over 100 others sustained injuries in the attacks allegedly carried out by suspected suicide bombers.
According to him, the incident represents a national emergency requiring immediate and decisive leadership.
“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 said.
He called for the immediate cancellation of the trip, warning that any foreign engagement at such a time would amount to abandoning grieving citizens.
“No responsible leader boards a plane when his country is burying its dead. A President with empathy should be in Maiduguri, not London, standing with victims,” he added.
Frank also faulted the British government for extending the invitation, accusing it of ignoring Nigeria’s worsening security and socio-economic conditions.
“The UK is aware of Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, mass unemployment and power crisis, as well as concerns about democratic institutions. Rolling out the red carpet at a time like this raises serious moral questions,” he said.
He argued that the timing of the visit sends a disturbing signal that governance failures could be overlooked for diplomatic engagements.
Frank further criticised the size of the President’s delegation, describing it as excessive and insensitive in the face of national grief.
He listed top government officials reportedly accompanying the President, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu.
Others, he said, include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd).
Also listed are the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
“At a time of national mourning, the size of this delegation raises concerns about priorities. This is not governance; it is extravagance in the face of suffering,” he said.
Frank further alleged that corruption and internal sabotage have weakened Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts, claiming that resources meant for security operations were being mismanaged.
“It is widely alleged that mismanagement has undermined the fight against insurgency. There are also concerns about diversion of critical military resources,” he stated.
He urged the international community to reassess its engagement with Nigeria, cautioning against actions that may be perceived as endorsing governance failures.
Frank, however, commended former United States President Donald Trump for what he described as a firm stance on Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Some global actors prefer ceremonies and silence, but there are those who take a more decisive position on terrorism. That is the kind of support Nigerians expect,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria is in a period of mourning and requires leadership that reflects empathy, urgency and decisive action.
“This is a moment for compassion and leadership, not foreign trips or political engagements. Leadership must prioritise the safety and well-being of citizens,” Frank stated.
