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'A thug and his disciples': Tinubu faces backlash after return from Europe

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Monday, April 21, following a nearly three-week trip to France and the United Kingdom, prompting a flurry of mixed reactions from Nigerians online.

According to a post by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He was received by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

"President Tinubu returned to Abuja from Europe Monday night," Onanuga wrote on X.

Tinubu departed the country on April 2 for a “short working visit” to Paris, during which he was expected to review the achievements of his administration.

However, his absence coincided with a surge in violence in parts of the country, notably Plateau and Benue states, sparking criticism and scepticism about the timing and necessity of the trip.

Mixed reactions from Nigerians

Public reactions online were swift and, in many cases, scathing. Some users accused the President of abandoning the country during a time of crisis.

@MezieAbia posted, “A man whose home is on fire has been busy chasing rats in Macron’s bedroom in France. Such a terrible President.”

Another user, @Gozie_Neme, wrote, “What difference does it make? He left a mess and returned to a bigger one.”

One of the more viral posts came from @gentlebjgiant, who simply described Tinubu’s return as, “A thug and his disciples.”

Others questioned the President’s relevance altogether. @yusufolatope1 commented, “His coming is of no use, we are used to his absence... His essence is not known to Nigerians.”

Despite the wave of backlash, some citizens expressed support for the President and welcomed his return.

Hon. Aisha Abdulkadir Yusuf, posting under @KwenAisha, wrote, “Welcome Home Mr. President ‘JAGABAN’ 🇳🇬.”

@interflex2004 echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Welcome back home, PBAT.”

The split in public opinion underscores the growing frustration among many Nigerians, who feel increasingly disillusioned by the federal government's handling of security and economic issues.

Tinubu’s administration has been under pressure to tackle escalating violence, inflation, and widespread poverty, even as the President continues to emphasise foreign relations and international engagements.

Whether this latest return will signal a shift in domestic policy focus remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: many Nigerians are watching closely—and speaking loudly.

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