The departure of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom for the commencement of his state visit hours after the deadly multiple explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State’s capital, has sparked mixed reactions from members of the public.
NPO Reported that suspected suicide bombers had on Monday evening attacked the popular Monday night market, a post office, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The explosions claimed the lives of 23 people with 108 others sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
In the wake of the incident, Tinubu had ordered the immediate deployment of all the security chiefs to Maiduguri while commiserating with the families of the victims of the attack.
However, as against speculations of the President’s possible cancellation of his state visit to the United Kingdom where he is set to received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Tinubu would on Tuesday depart Abuja for the European nation.
With the President departing alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu while Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in Anambra for the swearing-in ceremony of the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, some netizens took to their X handles to express their displeasure over the development.
They condemned Tinubu’s decision to go ahead with the visit.
Some however stood in defence of the President’s decision to embark on the state visit.
“In this dire situation, the president’s travel to the UK has sparked concern while the nation grapples with insecurity. The recent bomb blast in borno (Maiduguri), which resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities, has highlighted the need for effective governance. Unfortunately, the government’s response has been perceived as politicizing the tragedy rather than prioritizing the welfare of its citizens.”@Munnirsanda
“A wise leader will take an unplanned visit to Maiduguri early this morning to assure the people of Borno that he stands with them. Then jet off to London from there. But not this leader. Issues of Insecurity irritates him. After all his engagements in the UK starts tomorrow.”@Ikman5
“That’s very great and impressive seeing our Dear President alongside the first lady departing from Abuja straight to UK to honor the official historic invitation from King Charles. Wishing you fair and safe trip Mr President.”@Dannymasterp
“Safe travels to President Bola Tinubu as he departs for the United Kingdom. We stand with you as you represent Nigeria on the global stage. May your visit strengthen our partnerships, open new opportunities, and showcase the progress and potential of our great nation.”@Alakatunde
“A significant step in strengthening international ties. Wishing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu a productive and successful visit to the United Kingdom. May this bring meaningful partnerships and positive outcomes for Nigeria.”@Amehokwuchkwu
“So na like this them go always they line up if this man dey travel? I swear to God, Nigeria fell off as a country. With the insecurity nd number of people that died in Borno, this is what all agencies and ministry feel is some important. E no go better for Apc and their supporter”@BashirMTSnr
“Meanwhile, people of Borno voted for Muslim-Muslim ticket. The President can’t even visit the Hospitalized victims. If this Bomb blast were to be in Lagos, the President would have been in Lagos since yesterday. It appears that people of Borno aren’t Nigerians enough. Shameful.”@tarimartins10
“Yesterday, a bomb killed people right after iftar in your country. By the next morning the one entrusted with protecting lives had already left for another country. The first responsibility of any government is to secure its people and this government has failed completely.”@Bellosalisu018
“Even as a region of the country he claims to govern was struck by terrorists, lives were lost, people are grieving but our CinC is going for western validation. There was a country”@SirOnyema
“Slave masters summoned to report back to their Masters how they are running the colony … bomb in Maiduguri yesterday is not enough reason for reconsideration… keep displacing us for the British Royal Niger Company”@Brother Abdu
