President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent media chat has ignited a heated debate across Nigeria, reflecting the deep divisions within society. The chat, which aired last Monday, has been criticized by some for being pre-recorded and carefully edited, allegedly preventing tough questions from being asked. This led to a loss of interest among many Nigerians even before the interview was aired.
Critics have questioned the choice of media outlets, suggesting that the president should have engaged with a broader range of journalists to ensure a more representative and challenging discussion. They argue that the chat demonstrated a lack of sensitivity to the suffering of citizens, viewing it as a sign of the president’s insensitivity to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
On the other hand, supporters of President Tinubu argue that the chat was a positive step towards transparency and accountability. They believe it showcased his confidence and commitment to the country’s development and future. These differing opinions highlight the polarized views on the president’s leadership and policies.
One of the pressing issues discussed during the media chat was the ongoing insecurity plaguing parts of the country. Security experts have identified several underlying causes of insecurity in Nigeria, which significantly impede the nation’s socio-economic progress and development. Despite the technical defeat of Boko Haram, the group continues to launch attacks, and banditry and kidnapping for ransom have reached alarming levels. Affected communities are at the mercy of armed gangs that roam freely, wreaking havoc.
To genuinely understand Nigeria’s security situation, President Tinubu must move beyond the fabricated statistics provided by his officials. A firsthand experience, such as traveling from Abuja to Lagos by road, visiting local markets, or taking a stroll through any Nigerian city, will allow him to accurately assess and appreciate the reality on the ground.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey report, Nigerians paid a staggering N2.3 trillion in ransom to kidnappers in 2024. This amount surpasses the N1.647 trillion allocated for national defense in the 2024 budget and exceeds the combined 2024 budgets of several states, including Ekiti, Gombe, Yobe, Kogi, and Ondo, totaling N1.69 trillion.
Within 18 months in power, the administration has taken several foreign loans, totaling approximately $9.87 billion. This includes $1.95 billion secured in the first four months of his administration, a $1.5 billion World Bank loan, and an additional $4.1 billion borrowed for various sectors such as education, power, and women empowerment. Critics argue that the government’s reckless borrowing spree demonstrates insensitivity to the plight of citizens and that Nigeria’s economy will continue to struggle unless a more sustainable approach is adopted.
To break free from the cycle of debt and dependence on a single revenue source, the administration must prioritize diversifying Nigeria’s economy. This is crucial for building a stronger, more resilient economy that can support the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians.
The National Economic Council (NEC), comprising the 36 state governors led by the Vice President, has expressed reservations about the tax reform bill, emphasizing the need for adequate consultations with stakeholders. Experts and policymakers warn that these policies may have negative implications, including inflation, and advise the government to postpone the tax reform bill and engage in further consultations. However, President Tinubu has swiftly rejected the NEC’s recommendation to withdraw the contentious tax reform bills, stressing that these bills are crucial in supporting his administration’s objectives and bolstering the country’s fiscal institutions.
President Tinubu’s statement that he has “no regrets” about removing fuel subsidies has sparked concerns about his sensitivity to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. Despite his insistence that the reforms are necessary for growth and not intended to cause pain, the timing of the removal has been criticized for disregarding its negative implications for the masses.
The removal of fuel subsidies has caused severe economic consequences for millions of citizens, including a significant rise in inflation, which has led to skyrocketing prices of essential goods, transportation, and housing. This, in turn, has drastically increased transportation expenses, affecting Nigerians’ daily lives and resulting in a decline in their standard of living.
Unfortunately, President Tinubu’s media chat didn’t quite meet the expectations of Nigerian citizens. Instead of providing a detailed account of how the resources saved from the removal of the fuel subsidy would be utilized for human development and enhancing citizens’ lives, the president’s words seemed to have triggered more concern among the populace. Many citizens had hoped that the president would reassure them by outlining specific areas and projects executed from the money saved from the fuel subsidy for the development of the nation in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The debate surrounding President Tinubu’s media chat underscores the deep divisions within Nigerian society and highlights the urgent need for the administration to address the pressing issues of insecurity, economic challenges, and the impact of policy decisions on the lives of ordinary Nigerians
To be continued….
Dukawa writes from Abuja. He can be reach via abbahydukawa@gmail.com
