Rhodes-Vivour Faults Tinubu’s Foreign Trips Amid Economic Hardship

Former Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his continued foreign trips, describing them as disconnected from the realities facing Nigerians.

Speaking during a television interview, Rhodes-Vivour said the President’s travels come at a time when citizens are grappling with rising fuel prices and worsening economic conditions.

“The President has spent a significant amount of time travelling outside the country while the people are experiencing extreme hardship. That is unprecedented,” he said.

He questioned the priority of the President’s latest visit to the United Kingdom, arguing that it does little to address the immediate concerns of Nigerians.

“I don’t think this visit is a priority for Nigerians right now. Regarding the pain Nigerians are dealing with—specifically higher petrol and diesel prices—I don’t see the value,” he added.

Rhodes-Vivour further argued that such trips may serve political optics rather than deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

“His visits may improve his image and that of his party, but I don’t see how it is entirely good for the Nigerian people,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the government’s approach to insecurity, suggesting a lack of clear direction.

“We have been colonised and enslaved, yet there is no vision for our security. We can barely protect our own citizens,” he said. “It seems we need foreign interest before decisive action is taken.”