Yemi Obafemi
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for proceeding with his state visit to the United Kingdom following the deadly terrorist attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Okonkwo said the President’s decision to travel despite the tragedy was insensitive, arguing that cancelling the trip would have signalled respect for the victims and fallen soldiers.
“It’s about telling the world that you prefer to respect the blood of your martyrs,” he said, adding that going ahead with the visit amounted to “dancing on their graves.”
He maintained that suspending the trip would have sent a strong message of solidarity, particularly to security personnel risking their lives. According to him, national leaders must demonstrate empathy in moments of crisis to boost morale among troops.
Okonkwo also questioned the roles of top government officials during the period, noting that the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, accompanied the President abroad while Vice President Kashim Shettima attended a political event in Anambra State.
“Why go with your minister of defence? Why would the vice president be celebrating in Anambra State? I feel embarrassed,” he said, stressing that the loss of even a single soldier should be treated with utmost seriousness.
“The death of one military man is a hit to a nation… they derive their morale from how you treat the one that has fallen,” he added.
Beyond the immediate response, Okonkwo accused the administration of failing to tackle Nigeria’s worsening security challenges. He argued that insufficient security personnel, ungoverned spaces, and rising economic hardship have contributed to increased criminal activity.
“You don’t have enough boots on the ground… hunger and hardship is increasing… they are easy to be recruited,” he said, insisting that the government has not done enough to curb insecurity.
The attacks in Maiduguri on Monday involved coordinated explosions by suspected suicide bombers targeting a busy market and nearby areas, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries.
Despite the incident, President Tinubu arrived in the United Kingdom on Tuesday for his state visit. On Wednesday, he was formally received at Windsor Castle, where he and First Lady Remi Tinubu were honoured with a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
