President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has embarked on a two-week annual vacation in the United Kingdom, Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onuanuga, has announced.
Onuanuga, in a statement sighted by Diaspora Digital Media on Tuesday, said the president would use the period to “review his economic reforms” in the country.
The development coming at a time Nigeria is embroiled in worsening economic hardship, increasing insecurity and relentless protests, leaves much to worry about.
Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s economic hardship and protests which have seen a clampdown by security personnel, have sparked widespread criticism.
The country is grappling with a 33.4% inflation rate, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised interest rates by 800 basis points to combat stubbornly high inflation.
Tinubu’s foreign trips have been a subject of controversy, with reports indicating that he spent over N2.3 billion on foreign trips and related expenses between February and July this year.
This includes a recent trip to France on a newly acquired private jet, which sparked outrage given the country’s economic woes.
*Protests and Economic Hardship
Nigerians have taken to the streets to protest against bad governance, calling for the reversal of fuel subsidy, release of detained protesters, and reversal of electricity tariff.
The protests have been ongoing, with many citizens expressing frustration over the government’s handling of the economy.
*Foreign Trips and Expenses
Tinubu’s foreign trips have been lavish, with reports indicating that he visited over 10 nations and spent over N3.4 billion on local and foreign trips within one year.
The breakdown of his expenses includes:
– _N300 million_ for Presidential trips and related expenses in January 2024
– _N250 million_ for Presidential trips and related expenses in February 2024
– _N42,379,100_ for Presidential trips and related expenses in March 2024
*Citizens’ Reactions*
Many Nigerians are questioning the president’s priorities, wondering why he would choose to embark on a luxury vacation while the country struggles to make ends meet.
The hashtag #TinubuLeaveNow and #EndBadGovernance have been trending on social media, with citizens calling for his resignation.
