Former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, has expressed optimism about President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to the United Kingdom, suggesting it will provide the president with valuable time to reflect on Nigeria’s pressing challenges. Okupe believes the trip will offer President Tinubu the necessary space to reassess his policies and devise strategies to bring much-needed relief to Nigerians upon his return.
Recall that the presidency announced on October 2 that President Tinubu would be embarking on a two-week visit to the UK, as part of his annual leave. According to Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesperson, this trip is a personal break, but Okupe views it as an opportunity for the president to reconsider key decisions impacting the nation.
Despite growing public concern over President Tinubu’s decision to take a vacation during a period of significant hardship in the country, Okupe noted that much of the criticism stems from misinformation. He urged Nigerians to understand the broader context of the president’s actions and to have faith in his ability to tackle the country’s pressing issues.
‘I have read many uninformed criticisms of the president’s holiday trip abroad. Personally, from my understanding of how presidents behave in periods of national crisis, I believe the president has willfully separated himself from officials, friends, and associates to reflect and review the last 17 months and chart a new way forward for his administration.
At the same time, it is to carefully avoid undue interference from political associates in his thought process to rejig his cabinet.
Staying anywhere in Nigeria definitely will not afford him such a peaceful and serene atmosphere to achieve his objective.”
The former presidential aide emphasized that upon President Tinubu’s return from his “retreat,” Nigerians can expect a more prosperous future, with relief and comfort for the masses.
However, this decision has sparked concern among many Nigerians, given the current economic and political challenges facing the nation. In response, Okupe clarified that much of the anxiety stems from a lack of understanding or information about the president’s plans.