Former South-East presidential spokesman Denge Josef Onoh has called on French President Emmanuel Macron to suspend his planned state visit to Nigeria, urging him to prioritise France’s domestic challenges before undertaking diplomatic engagements abroad.
Onoh made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, ahead of Macron’s expected two-day visit to Nigeria on October 28 and 29.
He argued that the French leader should reconsider the timing of the visit, maintaining that effective leadership requires addressing pressing domestic concerns before pursuing international engagements.
According to Onoh, proceeding with the trip amid reports of unrest in France could raise questions about Macron’s priorities and his responsibility to French citizens.
“True statesmanship requires prioritising the home front when the foundations are shaking,” he said.
Onoh added that Macron should focus on resolving domestic tensions rather than engaging in diplomatic activities abroad.
“President Macron cannot be seen playing global politics and chasing bilateral photo-ops in Abuja while the streets of Paris and other French cities are burning. You do not go structural shopping in Africa when your own house is on fire,” he stated.
The former presidential spokesman expressed sympathy with the French government and citizens, describing the situation as a source of concern for those who consider France their home or have developed an appreciation for its culture, traditions and hospitality.
He warned that prolonged unrest could threaten the country’s social cohesion and cultural heritage, urging the French government to prioritise enduring national values over short-term political interests.
“It is time for the French government to focus on enduring French values over temporary political values,” Onoh said.
Nigeria’s 2027 Elections Also Raise Concerns
Onoh also questioned the timing of Macron’s planned visit in relation to Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that Nigeria must concentrate on addressing its domestic challenges and ensuring that the forthcoming elections produce leadership capable of strengthening the economy and restoring public confidence in government institutions.
“Nigeria has its problems, and it is the sole responsibility of Nigerians to focus on and solve their own problems,” he said.
He cautioned that the visit could become a distraction if both countries failed to carefully assess their priorities, adding that Nigeria needed dependable international partners capable of managing domestic challenges while pursuing bilateral cooperation.
To reinforce his argument, Onoh cited previous instances in which domestic unrest affected France’s diplomatic engagements.
He referenced the postponement of the planned state visit of Britain’s King Charles III to France in March 2023 amid widespread protests against pension reforms.
He also recalled the May 1968 unrest during the administration of former French President Charles de Gaulle and the suburban riots of 2005 under former President Jacques Chirac, arguing that domestic instability had previously required urgent attention from French leaders.
Onoh urged the Nigerian Presidency to consider the implications of France’s domestic situation for the proposed engagement, particularly in relation to prospective agreements on the economy, energy and security.
While affirming Nigeria’s openness to international partnerships, he stressed the importance of engaging with partners capable of maintaining domestic stability.
“We love diplomacy, and Nigeria remains a premier destination for global partnerships. However, we need a French President who is stable at home to partner with us effectively abroad,” he said.
“For the sake of the French people and the integrity of international diplomacy, President Macron should stay in Paris, face the protesters, address their grievances, and reschedule his Nigerian visit for a time when France is not burning.”
Visit Expected to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
Macron’s planned visit is expected to build on the diplomatic engagements and agreements reached during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France in November 2024.
The visit would mark Macron’s first trip to Nigeria since July 2018, when he visited the country during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
During Tinubu’s three-day visit to France in November 2024, both leaders discussed areas of mutual interest, including finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade, investment and communications.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga had said Tinubu’s visit was aimed at strengthening political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries while creating additional opportunities for cooperation.
Macron has maintained diplomatic relations with Tinubu since the Nigerian leader assumed office in May 2023. His second and final presidential term is scheduled to end in May 2027.
Onoh’s appeal comes as preparations continue for the proposed October 28–29 engagement, which is expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to deepen cooperation across strategic sectors.
