Fellow Nigerians, distinguished members of the press, civil societies leaders, and concerned citizens, at a time when the Nigerian nation is bleeding from every corner, when vulnerable communities in Sokoto, Benue, Plateau, Niger and other parts of the Middle Belt are facing relentless existential attacks from armed terrorists, it is deeply troubling to witness the persistent pattern of frequent overseas trips by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These travels, often projected with flamboyance and heavy media packaging, are increasingly seen as disconnected from the grim realities confronting millions of Nigerians at home.
This editorial does not question the constitutional right of any President to travel for diplomacy or national interest. What we question, what Nigerians across villages, towns and cities are questioning; is the timing, the frequency, the priorities, and the optics of these journeys.
While entire communities in Sokoto are being displaced, their homes burnt, their children abducted and their farmlands destroyed, the Commander-in-Chief appears more visible at foreign summits than at the scenes of national tragedy. While families in Benue and Plateau bury loved ones almost weekly due to escalating violence, the nation watches a presidency that seems more focused on photo-ops abroad than on steady hands-on leadership at home.
It is not flamboyance we condemn – it is insensitivity.
It is not travel we oppose – it is misplaced priorities.
It is not diplomacy we reject – it is the absence of the President’s presence where it matters most.
Nigeria is facing one of its worst security challenges in decades. Terrorists and armed bandits are overrunning rural communities. People cannot travel safely. Farmers are abandoning their land. Local economies are collapsing. Yet, instead of a massive, coordinated internal security response, Nigerians are being served speeches from foreign capitals, assurances from afar, and promises that do not reflect the urgency required.
A nation cannot be governed remotely during a crisis. Leadership is not a spectator sport. And symbolism matters. When a President stands physically with a grieving community, he sends a message of solidarity, hope and responsibility. When he appears absent or detached, the message becomes one of indifference—no matter the intentions behind the scenes.
This editorial calls for a radical shift in priorities from the Presidency:
- Immediate suspension of non-essential foreign trips.
- Deployment of a clear, measurable internal security strategy for Sokoto, Benue, Plateau and Niger States.
- A direct presidential visit to affected communities to reassure citizens and boost the morale of security agencies.
- A transparent national briefing on the steps being taken to stabilize the nation.
Nigerians deserve leadership that is present, proactive and empathetic. The escalating violence demands focus – not distractions. Commitment – not globetrotting. Responsibility – not PR performances. This is not about politics. This is not about party lines. This is about the survival of our country. Nigeria is at a breaking point, and history will not forgive leaders who fail to act when it matters most.
Thank you.
