President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to Saint Lucia has drawn public attention and criticism, particularly from former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who described the timing as inappropriate given the country’s current hardships.
However, the presidency has strongly defended the visit, saying it is a strategic diplomatic engagement, not a holiday.
In a statement titled “No, Mr President, This is Not the Time for Holidaying,” Obi condemned Tinubu’s visit, questioning the decision to travel abroad at a time when many Nigerians are suffering from hunger, insecurity, and natural disasters.
He expressed disbelief that the President could prioritise a leisure trip while the country faces severe challenges.
Obi cited examples such as recent flooding in Niger State, which reportedly claimed over 200 lives, and accused Tinubu of showing indifference to the pain of citizens.
Obi also criticised what he called a pattern of poor governance and misplaced focus on political events rather than the well-being of Nigerians.
“In the past two years, Nigeria has lost more lives to criminality than some countries at war. The country is one of the most insecure in the world, and hunger is widespread,” he said.
In response to the backlash, the Presidency issued a statement on Sunday clarifying that the visit to Saint Lucia is not a vacation, but a diplomatic mission to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit aims to revive Nigeria’s historical connections with Saint Lucia and other CARICOM nations, as well as promote cultural and economic cooperation.
The presidency pointed out that many citizens of Saint Lucia trace their ancestry to Nigeria, and the country is home to notable figures with ties to Nigeria, including Sir Darnley Alexander, who once served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice.
It also noted that the President’s visit supports Nigeria’s foreign policy goals focused on Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.
Onanuga further added on the cultural impact of Nigeria on the region, noting the popularity of Afrobeats and Nollywood in Saint Lucia, and added that the visit also includes plans for educational collaboration and support from Nigerian professionals through the Technical Aid Corps.
The statement stated that Saint Lucia, a member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, is a strategic partner for Nigeria, and Tinubu’s visit aligns with broader goals under the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which recognises the African diaspora as a development partner.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver a special address to Saint Lucia’s Parliament and participate in various events, including a reception with the Nigerian community on the island.
The Presidency urged critics to view the visit as an opportunity for international cooperation, not a luxury trip.
“President Tinubu’s visit is a historic and strategic engagement that serves Nigeria’s interests,” the Presidency stated. “It should not be misrepresented as a vacation.”
