Roadblocks and traffic disruptions have been reported in Lagos as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to return to Nigeria from Paris, France. The development was made known by lawyer and activist Inibehe Effiong, who expressed concerns about the security arrangements ahead of the President's arrival. Effiong encountered an unusual roadblock while traveling to catch a flight in Abuja earlier on Tuesday.
The situation worsened in Lagos, with Effiong describing the scene around the airport as "madness." He questioned the need for such extensive security measures before Tinubu's aircraft had even arrived. The roadblocks and hold-ups caused significant disruptions, with Effiong expressing frustration about the potential delay in getting to his destination.
Effiong also criticized the administration of Tinubu, citing the President's policies, mass poverty, and corruption. He argued that the security restrictions were an overreaction and could have been managed better. The Presidency had announced that Tinubu had departed Paris and was expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos later on Tuesday.
According to a statement by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu ended his working vacation in Europe and began his journey back to Nigeria. The President chose to return through Lagos partly to honor the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whose political legacy is associated with Nigeria's democratic struggle.
During his stay in France, Tinubu met with French President Emmanuel Macron at a private dinner and held discussions with Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group. The discussions focused on expanding investment in Nigeria's creative and digital economy. Tinubu also met businessman Femi Otedola, Chairman of First Holdings, during his stay in France.
Tinubu is expected to attend the premiere of a movie commemorating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu as part of activities leading to Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary on October 1. The President will also meet with political leaders and associates in Lagos in the coming days as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to take shape.
Tinubu had left Abuja on August 30 for a working vacation in Europe, initially traveling to London before proceeding to Paris. The President's return to Nigeria has sparked mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns about the security disruptions and others welcoming his return. The extent of the disruptions and the President's engagements in Lagos will likely be closely watched in the coming days.
Key points
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returns to Nigeria from Paris amid roadblocks and traffic disruptions in Lagos.
- Lawyer and activist Inibehe Effiong criticizes the security arrangements, citing disruptions and questioning the need for such measures.
- Tinubu's return to Lagos is partly to honor the memory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a key figure in Nigeria's democratic struggle.
