Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his planned state visit to the United Kingdom, describing the trip as “callous, indefensible and morally bankrupt” in the wake of renewed bombings in Maiduguri.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Frank said the coordinated explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening — including areas near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the city’s main market and the post office — exposed civilians to mass casualties and underscored what he termed a failing security system.
Quoting official figures, he stated that at least 23 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the attacks, reportedly carried out by suspected suicide bombers. He warned that the country was “bleeding while its leadership is distracted.”
“This is not just another attack — it is a national emergency,” Frank said. “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 urged the President to immediately cancel the trip, arguing that travelling abroad at such a time would amount to abandoning grieving citizens.
“No responsible leader boards a plane to wine, dine and dance when his country is burying its dead,” he said. “A President with empathy goes to Maiduguri, not London. He stands with victims, not with banquet hosts.”
President Tinubu is scheduled to visit the UK at the invitation of Charles III, a development Frank said sends a troubling signal amid escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East.
Frank also faulted the British government for extending the invitation despite Nigeria’s security challenges, accusing it of “staggering hypocrisy and moral blindness.”
“The UK is not ignorant of Nigeria’s reality,” he said, citing worsening insecurity, unemployment, power shortages and concerns over democratic institutions.
“Yet, in the face of all this, Britain rolls out the red carpet. That is not diplomacy — it is complicity. It is a celebration in the face of tragedy.”
He added that the timing of the visit could be interpreted as overlooking governance concerns for ceremonial optics, and challenged British authorities to justify the honour under current circumstances.
Frank further alleged that Nigeria is experiencing democratic decline, claiming that key institutions such as the legislature and judiciary have been weakened, while the political landscape risks tilting toward a one-party system.
According to him, such concerns make the state visit appear to some Nigerians as tacit endorsement of the current administration.
The activist also condemned what he described as an “obscene convoy of power” accompanying the President, listing several top officials reportedly included in the delegation.
Among them are Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi; Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake; Information Minister Mohammed Idris; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu.
Others named include Finance Minister Wale Edun; Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole; Culture Minister Hannatu Musawa; Communications Minister Bosun Tijani; Defence Minister Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and National Intelligence Agency Director-General Mohammed Mohammed.
“At a time of mass burials and national grief, what possible justification exists for ferrying such a large retinue of officials abroad?” Frank asked. “This is not governance — it is extravagance in the face of suffering.”
Allegations of Weak Anti-Terror Effort
Frank also alleged that Nigeria’s fight against terrorism has been undermined by corruption and mismanagement, claiming that military resources have been diverted and that weapons meant for troops have allegedly found their way into insurgent hands.
“It is an open secret that mismanagement and corruption have crippled our security response,” he said. “Yet, the government continues to act as though all is well.”
He called on the international community to reassess its engagement with Nigeria, warning that uncritical support could embolden failure rather than address the crisis.
In contrast, Frank commended Donald Trump for what he described as a firm position on Nigeria’s security challenges, saying Nigerians respect “principled support” against terrorism.
Frank concluded by urging the Presidency to prioritise compassion and decisive action over diplomatic ceremonies.
“Nigeria is in mourning,” he said. “This is a moment for leadership, compassion and decisive action — not foreign trips, not pageantry, not political theatre. Any President who chooses celebration over solidarity at a time like this has lost the moral right to lead.”