If racking up air miles is the measure of a successful presidency, President William Ruto of Kenya and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria might be winning. Since becoming presidents, they have faced similar criticism over their frequent trips abroad.

According to the BBC, the two men have been the subject of unflattering descriptions – the costs associated with their alleged penchant for air travel often contrasted with tough economic conditions at home.

The Standard, a Kenyan newspaper, has affectionately dubbed Ruto the “Flying President”. “so great is his love for flying that it appears that he cannot pass up any opportunity” despite pressing domestic demands, such as dealing with the high cost of living,” it said.

In Kenya, basic commodities like food, electricity, and fuel have gotten more expensive in the last year. On top of that, Taxes have eaten even deeper into the pockets of average Kenyans.

The economic reality is not any better in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy. Given the financial implications, many Nigerians see President Tinubu’s frequent international trips as contradicting the sacrifices he’s been asking citizens to make since the fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira.

On his social media, Nigeria’s opposition leader Atiku Abubakar stressed that Nigeria does not need a “tourist-in-chief”.

“Sacrifices for a better Nigeria must start from the leaders at all levels of government because the people have always made painful sacrifices, and the leaders must lead by example,” Peter Obi, another popular opposition leader chimed in.

Read on

https://latestnewsng.com/2024/02/africas-flying-presidents-william-ruto-and-bola-tinubu-face-backlash-over-foreign-trips/

If only the ‘Flying’ will lead to improved economy and security, then good! But we’re not seeing that yet.