society
Tinubu’s Trip Cancellation: A Masterclass in Political Tokenism and National Neglect
Tinubu’s Trip Cancellation: A Masterclass in Political Tokenism and National Neglect.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“Why Symbolic Gestures Cannot Substitute Real Leadership in a Nation Under Siege.”
Nigeria stands once again at the crossroads of tragedy and spectacle. The recent announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he had cancelled his planned diplomatic trip to South Africa and Angola has been celebrated by his spokespersons as a sign of empathy and national concern. Yet, upon deeper scrutiny, this decision is nothing more than a politically expedient performance; an empty gesture crafted for media applause rather than national healing.
True leadership is not measured by cancelled flights or televised speeches. It is measured by courage, presence, decisions and the unwavering will to confront crises head-on. What the Tinubu administration has offered Nigerians, however, is a steady parade of optics devoid of substance.
The Nation is Burning, Yet Leadership Remains Distant. The kidnapping of the Maga schoolgirls in Kebbi State is not an isolated tragedy; it is part of an entrenched pattern of violence born from years of weak security architecture. According to the UNICEF 2024 Nigeria Education Safety Report, more than 1,680 schoolchildren have been abducted in northern Nigeria since 2014. The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2024 identifies Nigeria as the 8th MOST TERROR-IMPACTED nation in the world, a decline from its earlier ranking but still a staggeringly high position for Africa’s SUPPOSED giant.
In this context, President Tinubu’s cancelled trip falls flat. It does not address the root of the insecurity crisis. It does not inspire confidence. It does not change the fact that 25 innocent schoolgirls remain missing, their families plunged into grief, uncertainty and fear.
Instead, what Nigerians received was a symbolic gesture; what American political theorist Dr. David Easton once termed “the politics of attention without the politics of solution.”
If the Presidency disagrees with the assertion that this is mere tokenism, then let it prove otherwise:
Let President Tinubu temporarily relocate to Kebbi and other conflict zones in the North.
Let him walk the streets where blood has been spilled.
Let him face the parents whose children were taken under his watch.
Let him demonstrate what leadership looks like in times of trial. Anything less is political theatre.
Leadership is Proven on the Frontlines, Not Inside the Villa. History honours leaders who stand with their people in times of peril. During World War II, Winston Churchill famously declared, “I must up and doing-standing firm with my people in the darkest hour.” He walked through bombed-out London streets, inspiring courage that outlived him.
On the African continent, Nelson Mandela repeatedly emphasised that “a leader must be prepared to give up everything for the freedom and safety of his people.”
President Tinubu, however, remains ensconced within the safety of the Presidential Villa while ordinary Nigerians are slaughtered, kidnapped or forced to flee their communities.
The contrast is jarring. The optics are damning. And the symbolism is hollow.
If a political crisis broke out, such as the Rivers State controversy earlier this year, President Tinubu would deploy negotiations, resources, intelligence networks, emissaries and even questionable state powers to restore political control.
But when the blood of children is involved, when families are destroyed, the response suddenly becomes gentle, symbolic and empty.
The APC’s Governance Model: Deny, Deflect, Distract. The pattern under the APC-led administration is now unmistakable:
Deny the scale of insecurity
Deflect responsibility
Distract the public with symbolic gestures
From the excuses surrounding fuel subsidy removal chaos, to the controversial foreign trips, to the ongoing collapse in purchasing power as confirmed by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the government’s instinct has been defensive rather than reformative.
When 121 students were abducted in Kaduna in March 2024, the government promised decisive action. Today, many remain unaccounted for.
When bandits sacked communities in Niger, Benue and Zamfara, government spokespersons issued standard press releases condemning the attacks and nothing more.
When farmers in Plateau were massacred on Christmas Eve 2023, the Presidency pledged “RENEWED RESOLVE.” Yet attacks have continued into 2024 and 2025.
As Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, a respected political scientist, stated in a 2024 security symposium in Abuja: “Nigeria’s problem is not the absence of policies but the absence of political will to enforce them.”
This absence of political will is what makes Tinubu’s trip cancellation both predictable and meaningless.
Insecurity Has Become Part of Nigeria’s Daily Vocabulary. The recent attacks in Kwara State serve as a grim reminder that insecurity is not a northern problem, it is a Nigerian problem. In the last 18 months alone, the following tragedies have unfolded:
Over 4,300 Nigerians killed in violent attacks (ACLED Data, 2024).
More than 7,800 kidnappings recorded nationwide (SBM Intelligence).
Over 3 million displaced persons, predominantly in the North (International Organization for Migration, 2024).
These numbers are not mere statistics. They are a reflection of the lived reality of Nigerians who sleep with one eye open and pray that bandits, terrorists or unknown gunmen do not strike before dawn.
As Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o once said,
“A nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens has forfeited the moral right to govern.” This is the tragic threshold Nigeria continues to approach under the APC-led government.
A Nation Cannot Be Saved by Optics. A cancelled trip to South Africa and Angola does nothing to:
Improve intelligence gathering
Strengthen border security
Restore morale among troops
Rescue abducted children
Stop bandit financing networks
Reform the broken policing system
Restore confidence in national leadership
Nigeria does not need presidential theatrics. It needs a leader ready to confront danger, not one who stands afar issuing statements.
Leadership is action—not ANNOUNCEMENT.
Leadership is sacrifice—not SYMBOLISM.
Leadership is presence—not PERFORMANCE.
Anything short of this will continue to erode the credibility of a Presidency struggling to command public trust.
Nigerians Are Tired of Tokenism. Enough of platitudes. Enough of condolences. Enough of optics. Enough of “we condemn this attack.” Enough of “the President has cancelled his trip.” The Nigerian people demand serious, sustained and tangible actions:
A national security overhaul
Real reforms within the police and military
Decentralised community policing
Cutting off the financial networks of bandits and terrorists
Holding governors accountable for security lapses
Presidential presence in conflict zones; not aloofness in Abuja
As the late Chinua Achebe wisely noted:
“A leader who does not listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.” Nigeria is rapidly approaching that point.
Ultimate Assessment: Rise to the Occasion or Step Aside. The safety of Nigerians cannot be reduced to a political drama staged for international cameras. It cannot be managed through symbolism, optics, or cancelled trips.
This nation demands seriousness—not SYMBOLISM.
If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu truly wishes to write his name in the book of honour, he must:
Leave the Villa
Stand with the people
Reclaim the nation from agents of terror
Demonstrate courage worthy of the office he holds
And if he cannot, he must make way for those who can.
Nigeria deserves no less.
Nigeria demands far more.
Nigeria cannot survive on tokenism.
society
Ikire Agog As ADC Inaugurates Party Structures In Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency
Ikire Agog As ADC Inaugurates Party Structures In Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency
• We Are Out To Restore Good Governance, ensure better welfarist programs – Aregbesola
• Says Nigerians Will Reject Bad Leadership In 2026/27
The ancient town of Ikire was agog on Thursday as the train of the federal constituency tour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan stopped in the town.
From the popular Naira and Kobo junction to the Obada market to the Akire’s palace through Sango, residents of the town trooped out to show love, solidarity and support to the leadership of the party led by the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
Addressing party faithfuls and supporters at Isale Abata, Ikire, Aregbesola lauded them for their steadfastness and dedication to the course.
The former Minister of Interior, who recalled efforts by true progressives to install a successor from his former party, noted that the time had come for the people of the state to follow a political movement led by people of conscience, character and integrity.
He also stressed that the ADC is committed to bridging the inequality gap by introducing welfarist policies that will ease the current economic downturn.
“You all know how we got here. We did not just join ADC as a party; but we teamed up with key players in our polity who are also ready to correct the current height of misgovernance by those who control the corridors of power.
“It is our belief that with the current state of the nation’s economy, ravaging insecurity and terrorism, as well as the dearth of quality leadership across all sectors, the masses are more than ready to use their votes to reject a government that has neglected their welfare for pecuniary political gains,” Aregbesola stated further.
In their separate remarks, former SSG – Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Chairman, Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, former Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam, among others, reiterated the need for party members to participate actively in the ongoing membership registration.
They also stressed the need for members to actively mobilise and educate other citizens on the need to correct the lapses of the present administration by voting the ADC in the 2026 governorship election in the state as well as the 2027 General Elections.
The team had earlier visited the Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi Lambeloye III, who offered his royal blessings for the success of the new political journey.
Some of the dignitaries at the event include Senator Adelere Oriolowo, Alhaji Rasaq Salinsile, Hon. Ademola Owoade, among others.
Joy and Happiness as Im Somebody Foundation Gives WAEC Scholarships to Students in Ipokia
As part of its mission to make life more meaningful for the less privileged, Im Somebody Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has put smiles on the faces of students in the Ipokia Kingdom, Yewa South, Ogun State.
More than twenty students received WAEC registration forms, while over 300 others went home with exercise books and biros. The beneficiaries of the WAEC sponsorship were drawn from Community Senior Secondary School and District High School.
Members of the foundation were led by their President, Mrs. Olaide Al-Hassah.
While receiving the forms on behalf of the beneficiaries, the principals and vice principals of both schools expressed profound gratitude to the founders of the foundation, Chief and Dr. Yinka Al-Hassah, for their kind gesture. They noted that the support came at a very timely moment and took the opportunity to offer prayers for the founders. They also commended the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, Oba Olusola Olaniyan, for his continuous support for education and community development.
In her remarks, the President of the foundation explained that Im Somebody Foundation was established to bring succour to the less privileged in society, especially students who struggle with financial challenges.
Representatives of the Onipokia, including two palace officials and the royal father’s Personal Assistant, were also present at the presentation ceremony.
The Senior Prefect of Community Senior Secondary School, Arowolo David, expressed deep appreciation for the life-changing support. He said:
“I am very glad to be among the beneficiaries of this amazing opportunity from Im Somebody Foundation. I want to thank the founders sincerely and also urge wealthy individuals to learn from their generosity and support students in their communities.”
The event ended on a joyful note, with beneficiaries and school authorities praising the foundation for its unwavering commitment to educational empowerment.
Igosave’s Warri Show Becomes a Night of Unity and Celebration in Delta State
The city of Warri came alive over the weekend as comedian Igosave hosted his much-anticipated show, “As I Was Saying,” an event that quickly evolved beyond entertainment and became a powerful display of unity across Delta State.
In a heartfelt reflection after the show, Igosave said the night reminded him that “when God is ready to lift you, He uses people — and Delta State came together as one.” The event, which drew guests from within Nigeria and abroad, was marked by an atmosphere of love, strength, and collective support.
The comedian expressed deep gratitude to everyone who travelled to be part of the occasion, emphasizing that the turnout demonstrated the unbreakable bond among Deltans. “When Deltans stand together, nothing can divide us and nothing can stop us,” he noted.
Key sponsors, the Delta State Government, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, DESOPADEC, and Amity Global Farms were acknowledged for helping bring the event to life. Igosave also extended appreciation to his dedicated team: All Adamz Event, Donsimon, 2Things Promotion & Events, and Oghounu Kelvin. Visual production for the night was handled by Wisescreen Film.
The evening closed not just as another comedy show, but as a celebration of solidarity — a moment many attendees described as a reminder of Warri’s vibrant spirit and the enduring unity of Delta State.
-
Politics5 months agoNigeria Is Not His Estate: Wike’s 2,000‑Hectare Scandal Must Shake Us Awake
-
society6 months agoOGUN INVESTS OVER ₦2.25 BILLION TO BOOST AQUACULTURE
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoFrom ₦200 to ₦2 Million: Davido’s Barber Reveals Jaw-Dropping Haircut Fee
-
society5 months agoJUSTICE DENIED: HOW JESAM MICHAEL’S KINDNESS WAS TURNED AGAINST HIM