The UK Is Complicit In Nigeria’s Woes, Tinubu’s Visit Is Embarrassing – Timi Frank

Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused the United Kingdom of being complicit in Nigeria’s challenges, calling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the UK insensitive and embarrassing following the deadly attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Frank disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

His comments come as King Charles III and other UK royals hosted President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu at the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on Wednesday.

Reacting, Frank accused the UK government of being “complicit” in Nigeria’s challenges, insisting that the timing of the visit, barely 24 hours after the reported killings, showed a lack of empathy for grieving Nigerians.

“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 retinue of ministers and top security officials chose to go on a state visit—celebrating and drinking champagne—while Nigerians are dying,” he added.

He described the trip as one that had caused “huge disgrace and embarrassment” for the country, noting that citizens were still mourning victims of violence when government officials were engaged in ceremonial activities abroad.

According to him, the President’s action “clearly shows he does not value Nigerians, particularly those in the North.”

“This act is not just about insensitivity; it shows he does not care. He has effectively abandoned the people to their fate,” Frank stated.

“What is being celebrated in the UK is not the progress of Nigeria, but its decline,” he said.

“This visit is not in the interest of Nigerians. It is about promoting and legitimizing a leader whose record is widely questioned,” he added.

However, the Tinubu administration had insisted that the visit would attract foreign direct investment into the country.