Former Presidential Aide Questions Tinubu's Priorities Amid Borno Crisis
Laolu Akande, a former presidential aide, has publicly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for proceeding with a state visit to the United Kingdom without first visiting Maiduguri, Borno State, following devastating bomb attacks that claimed 23 lives and left over 100 injured on March 16, 2026.
Missed Opportunity for Empathy and Leadership
Akande, speaking on his Channels Television program "Inside Sources" on March 20, 2026, argued that President Tinubu missed a critical opportunity to demonstrate empathy and show solidarity with affected citizens. The former aide emphasized that the bomb explosions represented renewed terrorist activity in Nigeria's North-East region, requiring immediate presidential attention and reassurance.
"Even if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu couldn't reschedule his date with the British Royals at a time terrorists were killing Nigerians, attacking our soldiers, and bombers resurging terror in Borno, could he not have done something that would represent a form of reassurance to the people of Borno and the entire Nigerians before he jetted out from Abuja to London on Tuesday?" Akande questioned during the broadcast.
Alternative Actions Proposed
The former presidential aide suggested several alternative approaches the president could have taken:
- A quick stopover in Maiduguri before departing for London on the same day
- At minimum, leaving a direct personal message to the Nigerian people that could be broadcast, showing presidential sympathy for the pain and destruction
- Demonstrating through body language and communication his concern for the victims and affected communities
Presidential Response to Attacks
While criticizing the timing of the UK visit, Akande acknowledged that President Tinubu had taken some responsive actions following the attacks. The president had ordered security chiefs to relocate to Borno State and directed emergency agencies to assist and care for the injured. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga confirmed these measures had been implemented.
Political and State Reactions
The bombings prompted strong reactions from political leaders across Nigeria. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attacks as "barbaric and inhumane," while former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso expressed concern over a resurgence of terrorism and called for decisive action against insurgents.
Emergency services, including the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed multiple blasts across key locations in Maiduguri, though casualty figures remained unclear during initial rescue operations due to the chaotic aftermath of the explosions.
Timing and Optics Under Scrutiny
Akande's criticism centers on what he perceives as poor timing and questionable optics of the president's international travel amidst domestic security crises. The former aide's comments highlight ongoing debates about leadership priorities during national emergencies and the symbolic importance of presidential presence in crisis zones.
The incident raises broader questions about balancing international diplomatic commitments with domestic crisis response, particularly when terrorist activities threaten civilian populations and national security infrastructure.
