‘No benefit to Nigerians’ – Rhodes-Viviour faults Tinubu’s foreign trips
Former Lagos State Governorship Candidate Questions President’s Frequent Foreign Trips
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the former Labour Party governorship candidate for Lagos State, has expressed concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu’s numerous international trips, which he argues have minimal benefits for ordinary Nigerians facing economic challenges.
In an interview on Channels TV’s “Morning Brief” on Tuesday, Rhodes-Vivour, currently a member of the African Democratic Congress, pointed to the timing of Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom. He highlighted the rising fuel prices and other pressing domestic issues as reasons for concern.
“The President has spent a significant amount of time traveling abroad while the people are experiencing extreme hardship,” Rhodes-Vivour said. “Considering the pain Nigerians are dealing with, particularly with higher petrol and diesel prices, I don’t think this visit is a priority right now.”
He further contended that although foreign visits might enhance the President’s image and add credibility on the international stage, they do little to improve the daily lives of Nigerians. “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,” he stated.
President Tinubu is currently in the UK for a state visit accompanied by First Lady Remi Tinubu and other senior officials. The visit, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, takes place from March 18 to 19 and marks the first visit by a Nigerian leader to Britain in 37 years. The presidency stated that the trip aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.
