In an exclusive interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica, Falana emphasized the need for Nigeria, with the largest concentration of black people globally, to carry itself with dignity on the international stage. He asserted that the Nigerian constitution does not provide for a private visit by the president, and therefore, Tinubu, in running the country’s affairs from abroad, contradicts the concept of a private visit.
Falana criticized the decline in Nigeria’s diplomatic status, contrasting the recognition given to late Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti during private visits to France with the lack of official recognition for the current president. He also slammed Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s trip to Grenada to attend a birthday party, stating that a state governor does not conduct foreign affairs.
Falana suggested that the subsequent call to the Grenadian Prime Minister was an attempt to make the trip look official and cover its potential embarrassment. During the interview, Falana addressed the state of Nigeria’s judiciary, acknowledging a minority of judges who remain loyal to their oath of office. However, he highlighted systemic issues such as poor wages, inadequate funding, and lack of judicial autonomy as factors that contribute to corruption within the judiciary.