Former presidential spokesman Laolu Akande has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his decision to proceed with a state visit to the United Kingdom shortly after deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Akande, who spoke on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, said the timing of the President’s trip – coming hours after the attacks that reportedly killed at least 23 people and left more than 100 injured—sent troubling signals about leadership responsiveness in times of crisis.
He argued that even if the President could not postpone the visit, there were symbolic steps he could have taken to reassure Nigerians, particularly residents of the affected state.
According to him, a brief visit to Maiduguri or a direct national address would have demonstrated empathy and solidarity with victims.
Akande also warned that repeated incidents of violence risk becoming normalised, stressing that leaders must not only act but also be seen to care in moments of national grief.
“The country must not appear desensitised to recurring violence. Leadership must project compassion alongside action,” he said, adding that the optics of high-level engagements abroad amid domestic tragedy could undermine public confidence.
In contrast, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bolaji Akinyemi, defended the President’s decision, describing the visit as a critical diplomatic engagement that could not be adjusted at short notice.
Speaking on Arise TV, Akinyemi said state visits—especially those hosted by the British monarchy at the invitation of King Charles III—are meticulously planned events that are not easily rescheduled.
He maintained that while the Maiduguri attacks were tragic, such incidents do not typically warrant the cancellation of major international commitments.
“State engagements of that magnitude are fixed well in advance. Disrupting them at the last minute could have wider diplomatic implications,” he said.
Akinyemi further described the attacks as damaging to Nigeria’s global image but noted that the reception in London reflected the country’s continued relevance on the international stage.
President Tinubu’s two-day visit, which concluded on Thursday, represents one of the most significant diplomatic outings between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in decades, and the first of its scale by a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades.
Despite this, the trip has continued to stir debate, with critics questioning the administration’s priorities amid persistent security challenges and economic pressures at home.