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By Oscar Okhifo
Rights activist, Comrade Timi Frank has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu, calling his ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom “insensitive” and “an embarrassment” just 24 hours after deadly attacks in Maiduguri.
He made the statement on his X handle on Thursday, accusing both the Nigerian and UK governments of ignoring the plight of grieving Nigerians while the President and his delegation participated in ceremonial events abroad.
“I wonder how President Tinubu could travel barely 24 hours after people were killed,” Frank said. “At a time when the whole world is expressing concern over the tragedy in Nigeria, he and his delegation chose to go on a state visit while Nigerians are dying.”
He described the trip as an embarrassment to the nation, noting that citizens were still grieving while top government officials participated in ceremonial activities abroad.
According to him, the President’s actions suggest a disconnect from the plight of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those affected by insecurity in the northern region.
“This act is not just about insensitivity; it shows he doesn’t care. He has effectively abandoned the people to their fate,” Frank added.
He also accused the UK government of showing indifference by proceeding with the visit despite the security situation in Nigeria.
He alleged that the issuance of hundreds of visas to members of the Nigerian delegation further underscored what he described as a lack of concern.
“It is a shame that the UK reportedly issued about 600 visas for this visit. That decision reflects total insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians,” he said.
He expressed disappointment that King Charles III had not publicly raised concerns about insecurity and governance issues in Nigeria during the visit, saying global leaders should hold visiting governments accountable.
Drawing comparisons with the United States, Frank argued that Donald Trump would have taken a tougher stance by confronting issues such as insecurity, corruption, and political instability.
The activist further alleged that the visit could be seen as an endorsement of governance failures in Nigeria, warning that such engagements risk legitimizing poor leadership.
“What is being celebrated in the UK is not Nigeria’s progress but its decline,” he said.
“This visit is not in the interest of Nigerians but about promoting a leader whose record is widely questioned.”
Frank also faulted the composition of the President’s delegation, particularly the inclusion of top security officials, noting that their absence from the country at a critical time amounts to dereliction of duty.
“It is unacceptable that key security officials left the country while citizens were being killed just to attend ceremonial events abroad,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the need to defend democratic processes and ensure credible polls.
“Nigerians must prepare to ensure this administration does not return. They must defend their votes and demand credible elections,” he said.
Frank also criticized the international community for its apparent silence on Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
“Are they unaware of the bombings, the killings, and corruption, or have they chosen to ignore them?” he asked, questioning the global response.
He also condemned the pomp and pageantry at Windsor Castle, saying it amounted to celebrating while Nigerians were still grieving the victims of multiple attacks in Maiduguri.
Frank Insisted that the UK government’s actions showed alignment with Nigeria’s current leadership despite its failures, he warned:
“Posterity will judge all parties involved for their lack of empathy at a time Nigerians are dying.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency has not issued any official response to the criticisms.