ABUJA — The Nigerian Presidency has issued a strong defense of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia, countering criticisms from opposition figures such as Peter Obi, who accused the President of taking a vacation while Nigerians face hardship.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the Presidency described such criticisms as “misguided, mischievous, and uninformed,” stressing that the visit is of strategic diplomatic importance rather than a leisure trip.
According to the statement, President Tinubu’s visit is rooted in cultural and historical connections between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, a Caribbean island nation with deep ancestral links to Africa. The mid-19th century saw a migration of Nigerians to Saint Lucia, bringing with them lasting cultural and religious influences.
“Saint Lucians are thrilled by President Tinubu’s visit, eager to strengthen bonds with their African heritage,” Onanuga said.
The trip is also seen as part of a broader South-South cooperation agenda. Saint Lucia is the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and a gateway to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), whose member nations collectively hold a GDP exceeding $130 billion. Strengthening Nigeria’s ties to this bloc is considered key in diversifying diplomatic partnerships.
Lucians Who Contributed to Nigeria’s Growth
The statement highlighted historic ties, noting that Saint Lucian-born jurist Sir Darnley Alexander served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975–1979. His son, Michael Alexander, also contributed during Nigeria’s civil war as an Army medical doctor. Neville Skeete, another Saint Lucian, helped design the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters.
Anchored in Nigeria’s ‘4D’ Foreign Policy
Tinubu’s visit aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy framework built on the “Four D’s”: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography. It also supports the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which views the African diaspora as a critical partner in continental development.
Ahead of the visit, Nigerian music and culture were celebrated across Saint Lucia, especially during the famed Gros Islet Street Party, where Afrobeats ruled the night. The shared love for culture and democracy underscores mutual values, the Presidency added.
A local Saint Lucian commentator even described Tinubu as a “fighter for democracy,” recalling his historical role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.
Obi’s Criticism Met with Counterpoints
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, had condemned the visit, stating that it was inappropriate for Tinubu to travel while Nigerians face economic hardship. However, the Presidency maintains that the trip is anything but a vacation.
Historic Visit & Diplomatic Engagements
This marks only the second official visit by an African head of state to Saint Lucia since its independence in 1979 — the first being Nelson Mandela in 1998.
President Tinubu will also:
- Address Saint Lucia’s bicameral parliament at the Sandals Grande Conference Hall (named after Bill Clinton).
- Visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.
- Engage with Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) personnel.
- Attend a reception hosted by the Saint Lucian Prime Minister, engaging with members of the Nigerian diaspora.
The Presidency concluded that the visit is a “historic diplomatic milestone” and a testament to Nigeria’s growing commitment to reconnecting with the global African diaspora and fostering people-to-people diplomacy.
