Maverick entertainer, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his recent trip to the United Kingdom, accusing him of focusing on foreign engagements while challenges persist at home.
The outspoken activist also faulted the multi-billion-dollar agreement reportedly signed between Nigeria and the British government, questioning its relevance amid the country’s pressing socio-economic realities.
Bellnews reports that in a post shared on Friday via his 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) handle, written in Pidgin English, Charly Boy expressed dismay over the President’s overseas engagement.
“My people, make we yarn truth without sugarcoating. Bola Ahmed Tinubu waka go UK go greet big men, but for house, fire still dey burn. Na who dey deceive who? You leave problem for ground, carry full convoy go snap picture for palace,” he wrote.
He argued that while officials often justify such trips as necessary for strengthening diplomatic ties and sealing agreements, the realities on ground in Nigeria tell a different story.
The entertainer cast doubt on the effectiveness of international agreements in the face of unresolved domestic challenges such as insecurity, erratic power supply, and widespread economic hardship.
“Dem go say na to build relationship, sign agreement, do big big talk. But abeg, if light never stable, security never sure, and people dey cry, which agreement wan first work?” he queried.
Charly Boy also took a swipe at the size of the Nigerian delegation on the trip, describing it as excessive and symbolic of misplaced priorities.
“Even worse, na full squad dem carry go. Governors, ministers, everybody wan show face. E come be like say governance don turn group excursion,” he added.
Highlighting the continued security challenges in parts of the country, he pointed specifically to the North-East, where residents still grapple with insurgency and humanitarian crises.
“Meanwhile for places like Borno State, people still dey face serious wahala. But our oga dey smile for international camera. Life no be Instagram filter,” he said.
The veteran entertainer concluded by urging the government to prioritise fixing internal issues before seeking validation abroad.
“If your house clean, you no go need go outside go beg for validation. Your people go stand gidigba for you.
“But when ground no balance, even golden handshake go feel like empty promise. Nigeria, open your eye well. This film we dey watch, na rerun,” he added.