Former South-East presidential spokesman Denge Josef Onoh has called on French President Emmanuel Macron to put his proposed trip to Nigeria on hold, arguing that the French leader should first attend to pressing issues confronting his country before embarking on overseas engagements.
Onoh made the recommendation in a statement released on Sunday, ahead of Macron’s scheduled two-day state visit to Nigeria on October 28 and 29.
According to POLITICS NIGERIA, the former presidential spokesman believes that the prevailing situation in France makes it necessary for Macron to reassess his travel plans and concentrate on resolving domestic difficulties.
He maintained that responsible leadership demands that national concerns receive adequate attention before leaders pursue diplomatic engagements outside their borders.
Onoh argued that travelling to Nigeria while France is reportedly experiencing unrest could create the impression that Macron is neglecting his obligations to French citizens in favour of international appearances.
He stressed that a leader’s first responsibility should be ensuring stability within his own country before seeking to strengthen relationships with foreign governments.
“True statesmanship requires prioritising the home front when the foundations are shaking,” Onoh stated.
He further criticised the idea of Macron participating in diplomatic engagements in Abuja while demonstrations and disturbances reportedly affect Paris and other French cities.
Onoh also conveyed his concern for France and its citizens, observing that the situation could be particularly distressing for individuals who have strong personal, cultural or historical connections to the European nation.
He cautioned that prolonged instability could undermine France’s social cohesion and threaten aspects of its cultural heritage, urging the authorities to protect the country’s fundamental values rather than focus on short-term political interests.
The former spokesman equally questioned the timing of Macron’s proposed Nigerian visit, especially as preparations continue for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
He argued that Nigeria should devote greater attention to its own political and economic difficulties, ensuring that the forthcoming electoral process produces leadership capable of improving economic conditions and rebuilding public confidence in government institutions.
Although he acknowledged the importance of international cooperation, Onoh insisted that Nigerians must take primary responsibility for finding solutions to the country’s challenges.
To reinforce his argument, he recalled previous periods when domestic crises influenced France’s diplomatic calendar.
He cited the postponement of Britain’s King Charles III’s proposed visit to France in March 2023 following widespread demonstrations against pension reforms. He also mentioned the May 1968 protests during Charles de Gaulle’s presidency and the suburban disturbances of 2005 under Jacques Chirac.
Onoh urged Nigeria’s presidency to carefully evaluate the circumstances surrounding Macron’s proposed visit, particularly any discussions involving trade, energy, economic development and security cooperation.
He maintained that Nigeria remained committed to international partnerships but deserved foreign partners capable of balancing domestic responsibilities with diplomatic obligations.
He therefore appealed to Macron to engage with protesters, address their concerns and arrange another date for his Nigerian visit when circumstances in France had improved.
Macron’s anticipated trip is expected to build on diplomatic discussions held during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France in November 2024.
During that engagement, both leaders explored opportunities for cooperation in finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade, investment and communications.
The proposed October visit would mark Macron’s first trip to Nigeria since July 2018, when he visited during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Macron’s current presidential term is scheduled to conclude in May 2027.
