Gains Of Tinubu’s Travels Insignificant – Analysts

…Want President To Confront Insecurity, Other Domestic Challenges

DR. Bolaji O. Akinyemi, Conve­ner of the Apostolic Roundtable (ART), says President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s travels have not made impact on the lives of Ni­gerians even though it may have projected the country’s presence abroad.

Dr. Akinyemi, a cleric and public affairs commentator, expressed the view at the weekend while speak­ing with Sunday Independent on the outcome of President Tinubu’s overseas travels.

He insisted that the gains of President Tinubu’s efforts remain largely rhetorical, with little tangi­ble impact on citizens facing inse­curity, inflation, and weak institu­tions.

Akinyemi, Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman of Project Victory Call Initiative, aka PVC-Naija, stat­ed that while international engage­ments are necessary, over-frequent travels risk projecting detachment from domestic realities.

Akinyemi, a gospel Apostle, said: “Nigerians need a president more at home than in the skies — fixing power, security, and governance.

“Diplomacy abroad must be balanced with leadership at home; otherwise, the shuttle risks being seen as escapism, rather than strategy.

“Tinubu must travel less, govern more, and convert promises abroad into progress at home.”

However, another respon­dent, Barrister Olalekan Fes­tus Ojo, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, stated that Pres­ident Tinubu’s shuttle diplo­macy must be viewed within the larger context of Nigeria’s strategic interests.

Barrister Ojo, a strong ad­vocate of social justice and the Managing Partner, Platinum & Taylor Hill LP, stated: “Nigeria cannot afford to be insular in a rapidly changing global envi­ronment where foreign invest­ments, security partnerships, and multilateral engagements are critical to our economic revival.

“The president’s interna­tional engagements reflect an intention to restore Nigeria’s credibility, attract capital, and reinforce our leadership posi­tion in Africa and beyond.

“That said, diplomacy is not only about the number of trips undertaken, but the measurable outcomes that follow.

“Nigerians are rightly con­cerned that while the president is abroad seeking partnerships, there are pressing domestic challenges: rising inflation, in­security, unemployment that demand urgent attention.

“In this regard, the real is­sue is not necessarily whether the president travels too much, but whether those trips deliver tangible benefits that improve the daily realities of Nigerians.

“In my view, a balance must be struck. International engage­ments should continue, but they must be targeted, strategic, and outcome-driven.

“At the same time, gover­nance at home must not suffer. This requires a strong and em­powered domestic team that can effectively implement policies, while the President advances Nigeria’s interests abroad.

“So, I would say the Pres­ident should not necessarily travel less, but he must ensure that each trip yields visible div­idends for the people and that citizens are kept informed of the value being derived.

“Ultimately, diplomacy abroad and governance at home must work hand in hand for Ni­geria’s progress.”

Professor John Ebhomien, a chieftain of the All Progres­sives Congress (APC) in Lagos, agreed that President Tinubu’s shuttle diplomacy has raised concerns among Nigerians about the extravagant spend­ing on these trips, particularly given the country’s current eco­nomic challenges.

Speaking over the weekend, Prof. Ebhomien, a former Consultant to the United Nations Office on Project Services, stated: “With pressing issues like insecurity, banditry, unemployment, high inflation, and volatile foreign exchange rates demanding urgent solutions, many Nigeri­ans question the priority given to such diplomatic endeavours.

“In light of these challeng­es, it is essential for the govern­ment at all levels to exercise sound fiscal discipline and transparency.

“A reordering of priorities is necessary to ensure that public resources are allocated efficient­ly and effectively.

“To address these concerns, the government should estab­lish robust mechanisms for prudent spending and account­ability.

“This would help restore public trust and demonstrate a commitment to responsible governance.

“By doing so, the govern­ment can better address the nation’s pressing problems and work towards a more sustain­able and equitable future.”

Dr. Felix Nwosu, a public af­fairs analyst, stated: “Travelling is part of education. But, my worry is that most of our lead­ers travel for fun, not to learn and implement what they saw or observed.

“That is Nigerians’ pain. There are no visible gains from all these trips abroad. It becomes a waste of resources and time.

“If travelling is really part of education, then the diplomatic shuttles do not make sense to Nigerians and should be stopped with immediate effect because it is a waste of public funds.

“Funds used for these for­eign trips could alleviate the sufferings in Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should make a difference by bringing returns to our country, by bring­ing deals back home like other responsible leaders.

“For instance, such trips should attract investors and in­dustries and nation builders for Nigerian growth and greatness before the end of his tenure. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Bishop Herbert Ekechukwu, a Christian leader and econo­mist, in his reaction, expressed pessimism over President Bola Tinubu’s shuttle diplomacy.

Dr. Ekechuku said: “I do not see President Bola Tinu­bu succeeding in his diplomatic shuttles, because such a success depends on the personal rela­tionship of Mr. President with the other leaders, which at pres­ent, is not at a very good level.

Ekechukwu explained fur­ther: “There are so many re­cords of human rights abuses in this government. His handling of the Nnamdi Kanu issue is questionable. There is not much political will in tackling the in­security situation in Nigeria.

“Recently, a Canadian Feder­al Court declared both the PDP and APC as terrorist organisa­tions. Also, his perception by world leaders is very low.

“There is no record of insti­tutionalising shuttle diplomacy. Therefore, it is unsustainable.

“His shuttle diplomacy will just end in high level meetings and photo opportunities, rather than tangible outcomes and pol­icy changes.”

Dr. Andrews Okhirebhu, a Lagos-based Christian leader, stated: “With all the president’s shuttle diplomacy, how much of his efforts are translating into propositions for the general wellbeing and welfare of the people and in economic devel­opment?

“There is too much suspense and secrecy in government cir­cles that nobody trusts them for anything.

“You will not know when they are telling the truth. They have a lot to hide from the peo­ple. When our leaders are trav­elling for medical check-ups or personal and family businesses, they tell the nation they are on official visits.

“Frankly speaking, what is happening presently in Nige­ria is what can be termed ‘The more you look, the less you see.’ May God deliver us from this state of helplessness.”

(Daily Independent)