SHOULD NIGERIANS REJOICE OVER KING CHARLES’ INVITATION TO PRESSIDENT TINUBU? DR KINGSLEY EMEANA QUERIES

Why Is King Charles Inviting President Tinubu for a State Visit, And Should Nigerians Be Excited?
This invitation has generated a lot of discussions in the Nigerian political space recently. Dr Kingsley Emeana, who is a UK trained development economist and policy experts, wades into this topic with a lot of expository insight and awakenings worthy of note.

The announcement that King Charles III has invited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a state visit to the United Kingdom in March has generated a wave of reactions across Nigeria. For some, it is a diplomatic milestone. For others, it raises uncomfortable questions about timing, motive, and precedent. When examined closely, the invitation may say less about Nigeria’s rising global stature and more about the political vulnerabilities of its current leadership and the strategic interests of the UK, Dr Emeana insists.

A Rare Honour But Why Now?

He insisted that State visits are not routine. They are symbolic, carefully curated gestures of friendship, partnership, or strategic alignment. The UK has historically extended such invitations sparingly, and usually to leaders whose legitimacy, influence, or geopolitical value is clear.
“This is why the choice of President Tinubu at a time when Nigeria is battling economic turmoil, currency collapse, widespread insecurity, and deep questions about electoral legitimacy has raised eyebrows. If the UK’s intention were simply to honour Nigeria, why were cerebral, globally respected former presidents like Olusegun Obasanjo, late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, or Goodluck Jonathan never granted such invitations?” Dr Emeana queries.
The last Nigerian leader to receive a UK state visit was General Ibrahim Babangida, another president widely seen as seeking international validation during a politically fragile period. The pattern is hard to ignore.

Is the UK Seeking Opportunity in Nigeria’s Vulnerability?

He opined that some analysts argue that the UK may be positioning itself to secure economic or strategic advantages at a moment when Nigeria’s leadership is desperate for global recognition. A president under pressure at home is often more willing to sign agreements that appear beneficial on the surface but ultimately tilt in favour of the stronger partner.
Nigeria’s current economic desperation from foreign exchange shortages to investor flight makes it particularly susceptible to deals framed as “support,” “partnership,” or “investment,” but which may ultimately prioritize UK interests.

The UK, postBrexit, is aggressively pursuing new trade and investment channels. Nigeria, with its vast market and natural resources, is an obvious target. A state visit creates the perfect stage for signing highprofile agreements that can be sold domestically as diplomatic wins, even if the longterm benefits may skew heavily toward London.

A President Seeking Legitimacy Meets a Kingdom Seeking Leverage

In his opinion, President Tinubu has spent much of his tenure seeking international visibility from global summits to foreign investor roadshows. Critics argue that this pursuit of recognition often overshadows the urgent need to stabilize Nigeria internally. A state visit to Windsor Castle offers prestige, optics, and the illusion of global endorsement. For a president whose domestic approval is shaky, such symbolism is politically valuable, however, symbolism is not strategy. And prestige is not policy.

Should Nigerians Celebrate Or Scrutinize?

Nigerians have every right to feel proud when their country is acknowledged on the world stage. But pride should not replace vigilance. A state visit is not automatically a win. It is a negotiation and negotiations depend on leverage. Right now, the UK has leverage. Nigeria does not, Dr Emeana insists. Before celebrating, Nigerians should ask: “What deals are being proposed?”, “Who benefits in the long run?”, “Is this about Nigeria’s interests or the president’s personal quest for global validation?”
It may seem that recently the UK extend state visits only to Nigerian leaders who appear politically vulnerable. Diplomacy is never neutral. It is strategic. And strategy favours the party with stability, economic strength, and bargaining power.

Conclusion: Interrogate the Intentions Before Applauding the Optics

He stated that a state visit is not inherently bad. That it could open doors for cooperation, investment, and renewed ties. But history shows that such invitations often come with strings attached especially when extended to leaders that may be seeking legitimacy.
Nigerians should not reject the visit outright. But neither should they embrace it blindly. The real question is not whether King Charles invited President Tinubu, but the real question is: ‘Why?’ ‘And what will Nigeria give up in return?’ He queried deeply.