UK visit: Criticism of Tinubu’s policies borne out of ‘sheer mischief’ — Idris

The Federal Government has said that some of the criticisms against the policies of President Bola Tinubu are out of a lack of adequate knowledge and sheer mischief.

The Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this during an engagement with the international media in the United Kingdom.

The meeting was part of preparations for President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK this week.

 “We know that Nigeria has had its own fair share of criticism about some of those policies that were instituted back home, some of them (criticism) arising from a lack of adequate knowledge and some out of sheer mischief,” he said.

On the visit, the minister said that Nigeria and the UK have maintained a strong partnership for decades, adding that the state visit would further strengthen the ties.

“This visit is significant in many ways. It highlights the historic and strategic relationship Nigeria and the United Kingdom, between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, a relationship that is built on deep diplomatic, economic, cultural, and democratic ties.

“For decades, our two countries have maintained a partnership that spans trade, education, security cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared democratic values.

 “President Tumbu’s visit provides an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration across critical areas, including trade and investment, security cooperation, climate action, education, and technological innovation.

“It also reflects Nigeria’s growing importance as a key democratic and economic partner in Africa, and a responsible participant in global affairs,” Idris said.

The delegation comprised ministers and presidential aides.

 “So, as communicators, we thought that it is important, regardless of whatever position anyone may have taken, to go through some of these programmes and policies that have happened in the last… close to three years, and then interact with you.

“Where you have questions, we take them; where you seek clarifications, we provide. Where we need to take some advice from you, we’ll also take and get back home,” he added.

President Tinubu will be hosted by His Majesty King Charles III in what is expected to be a landmark moment in UK–Nigeria relations.

The visit will combine the ceremonial traditions of a royal welcome with high-level engagements aimed at strengthening economic, diplomatic, and strategic ties between the two countries.