Nigerians are facing tough times, and many were looking for some reassurance from President Bola Tinubu. But instead of hope, his recent media appearance left many feeling let down. It seemed more like a lecture than an attempt to connect with the people’s struggles. Was it a missed opportunity to build trust or just another example of politics as usual?
Here’s a Quick Look at What We’ll Cover:
- The President’s lack of empathy
- Contradictory stances on fuel subsidy
- Bloated cabinet despite claims of fiscal responsibility
- The fight against corruption and where it’s gone wrong
- Minimum wage as a solution? Really?
No Empathy, Just Boasting
President Tinubu’s media chat didn’t exactly inspire confidence. Instead of showing he understood the challenges facing Nigerians, he seemed to brag about policies that have made life harder for many. It’s like he’s forgotten that the main reason a government exists is to look out for the well-being of its citizens. This is a core principle of the 1999 Constitution, yet the President acted more like an unelected leader, not answerable to the people.
Flip-Flopping on Fuel Subsidy
Remember when Tinubu vehemently opposed removing fuel subsidies back in 2012? Well, it seems like those days are long gone. Now, he’s championing the very same policy he once slammed as ‘anti-people.’ It’s a complete 180, and it raises some serious questions about consistency and integrity. The shift feels opportunistic, leaving many wondering: what changed, Mr. President?
Back then, former President Goodluck Jonathan consulted with the public and explained the long-term goals of removing the subsidy, which is the democratic thing to do. Tinubu, then an opposition leader, did everything to stop that from happening.
And it wasn’t that long ago during the 2023 campaigns in Abeokuta, that he promised to bring down fuel prices. If economic situations mean changes in previous promises, it’s important to give quality explanations and not display arrogance. This lack of consistency is something that voters don’t forget as it cost Kamala Harris during the last US elections.
A Cabinet Too Big for Its Boots
If the President is so serious about cutting costs, why does he have the biggest cabinet in the history of Nigeria? He justified it by claiming efficiency, but that’s not how it works. It is not the size of the cabinet that matters; it is about how well resources are used and what is prioritised. The 2023 and 2024 budgets haven’t been great at funding capital projects, with many projects in the ministries pushed back. The real reason behind the bloated cabinet is political; it is simply a reward for political support and strategic importance for the 2027 elections.
The Anti-Corruption Charade
Nigerians bought the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) promise to fight corruption. Former President Buhari was seen as a figure of abstinence from the luxury of office. However, Buhari’s administration messed up the fight against corruption, weakening the EFCC. The agency once known for its global success was crippled by Buhari’s appointment of Ibrahim Magu, who later faced a lot of corruption claims himself. After that came Abdulrasheed Bawa who also got caught up in corruption allegations. In the end, Bawa was detained for four months and then sacked. Nigerians haven’t been told the details of his detention, and instead, Bello Matawalle who was involved in the scandal with Bawa was rewarded with a cabinet position.
When asked about his anti-corruption strategy, the President simply said he increased the minimum wage to N70,000. While that may seem like a step in the right direction, it certainly isn’t a solution for corruption. It’s quite tone-deaf, considering the fact that N70,000 is less than the cost of a bag of rice nowadays.
Minimum Wage is Not the Magic Bullet
The President seems to think that just by paying people more, he can fix the corruption problem. It’s an overly simplistic idea that ignores the fact that those who are corrupt take much more than their salaries. It doesn’t take into account the high costs of housing, food, transportation and other things people need to live. In fact, it is a joke to assume a minimum wage can fight corruption. There are better, more effective ways to fight corruption. Nigerians are smart enough to see through the empty rhetoric.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Nigerians deserve a government that is honest, transparent, and truly cares about its people. It is not enough to increase the minimum wage or give political appointments; real action is needed. President Tinubu needs to start listening to the people and putting their needs before political gain. The time for empty promises is over.
