society
From Emilokan to Emergency: The Tragedy of Tinubu’s Unprepared Presidency”
“From Emilokan to Emergency: The Tragedy of Tinubu’s Unprepared Presidency”
By George O. Sylvester
When Bola Ahmed Tinubu thundered “Emilokan”; Yoruba for “It’s my turn”, during his now-infamous declaration of presidential ambition, it resonated not as a call to serve, but as a personal entitlement. The former Lagos governor, long regarded as a political tactician lurking in the shadows of power since the early 1990s, assumed the presidency in 2023 with the self-proclaimed aura of inevitability. But barely a year into his tenure, it has become glaringly evident: Bola Ahmed Tinubu was profoundly unprepared for the very office he schemed, plotted, and politicked for over three decades to attain.
This is no longer just political opinion, it is the lived reality of over 200 million Nigerians now burdened by escalating poverty, insecurity, and economic hopelessness. The man who once strutted the corridors of Bourdillon like a kingmaker has proven to be a disaster in office, leading with a detachment so severe it borders on abdication.
A President Abroad: Governance by Absence
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has spent an estimated 70% of his leadership days in Europe or elsewhere outside Nigeria. From medical trips cloaked as “private visits” to diplomatic shuttles that yield no visible results, his preference for foreign soil has turned Nigeria’s highest office into a revolving door of absenteeism.
Economic analyst Dr. Ayo Teriba did not mince words when he recently remarked, “We are in a leadership vacuum. The ship is rudderless while the captain watches from a distant shore.”
This chronic absence undermines not only the operational machinery of governance but the symbolism of leadership. In a nation grappling with multidimensional poverty, a spiraling exchange rate, and unprecedented inflation, the least citizens deserve is a president who is physically and mentally present.
Policy Catastrophe: A Clueless Economic Agenda
Tinubu’s first act as president was the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy, an economically necessary but grossly mishandled decision. Implemented without a cushion or plan, it triggered a tsunami of inflation that devastated the already impoverished populace. Transportation costs doubled overnight. Food prices soared. Businesses collapsed under the weight of erratic fuel supply and unaffordable diesel.
Renowned economist and former CBN Deputy Governor Kingsley Moghalu summed it up sharply:
“Sound economic reform is not about bravado. It’s about sequencing, communication, and empathy. None of these were present in the Tinubu administration’s fuel subsidy removal.”
The naira, which was ₦460 to $1 in May 2023, has plummeted to over ₦1,400 within months, despite empty promises of “market reforms.” The CBN remains directionless, mired in confusion and panic-driven policies. Inflation now stands at over 33%, with food inflation nearing 40%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Tinubuomics: Tax the Poor, Enrich the Powerful
Under Tinubu, fiscal policy has turned predatory. New taxes and levies are imposed almost monthly, squeezing an already overburdened informal sector. Yet the same administration refuses to cut government waste, reduce the bloated cost of governance, or hold political elites accountable.
“Tinubu’s economic strategy is a tale of punishing the poor while protecting the powerful,” said Professor Pat Utomi. “The government has become a collection agency for the elite.”
Instead of addressing structural issues, the administration obsesses over optics, renaming airports, appointing redundant aides, and holding international meetings that produce no real investment or outcomes.
Security in Shambles: A Nation Under Siege
The security situation remains dire. Boko Haram, bandits, unknown gunmen, and kidnappers continue to run riot. In Plateau, Zamfara, Kaduna, and even the FCT, citizens live in fear. There is no sense of urgency or coherent national security policy from the presidency.
Just weeks ago, over 300 schoolchildren were kidnapped in Kaduna in one swoop, yet Tinubu issued no national address. Former National Security Adviser Col. Abubakar Dangiwa (rtd) lamented, “There is no soul in this leadership. They do not feel the pain of the people.”
The Tinubu Myth: A Manufactured Legacy
Much of Tinubu’s rise was built on the myth of his “Lagos success.” But Lagos is not a model of good governance, it is a privatized state run by cronies. Its development has been largely driven by federal allocation and private sector investment, not Tinubu’s genius. In fact, Lagos ranks low in transparency, urban planning, and public education outcomes compared to other African megacities.
“What we see in Lagos is state capture, not development,” noted Dr. Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission.
Cronyism and Nepotism: The Emilokan Manifesto in Action
Tinubu’s appointments so far reflect not merit but patronage. Political loyalists, ex-governors with corruption cases, and family members dominate the corridors of power. From the Central Bank to the Customs, Tinubu’s cronies are embedded, deepening Nigeria’s institutional decay.
It’s not “Renewed Hope” na 
recycled failure.
The Global Image Crisis
On the international stage, Nigeria’s reputation is now synonymous with instability. Investor confidence is at an all-time low. Global brands are exiting Nigeria, Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, and others, citing policy inconsistency and economic chaos.
“Nigeria under Tinubu is not a place for business. It is a place for survival,” said Dr. Obadiah Mailafia before his untimely death. His words remain prophetic.
From Hope to Hopelessness: The Nigerian Mood
Ask the average Nigerian today what they think about the Tinubu administration, and you’ll be met with silence, sarcasm, or outright rage. The streets no longer chant “Emilokan”; they mutter “Wahala no dey finish.” The illusion has shattered. The so-called national messiah has become a symbol of elite entitlement and failed leadership.
As Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka once warned, “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” It is time Nigerians spoke loudly against this deception masquerading as governance.
In conclusion: A Call for Reckoning
Tinubu’s presidency is not just a failure, it is a betrayal. A betrayal of the youth who voted for change. A betrayal of the suffering poor. A betrayal of democratic ideals, and stolen mandate. History will not remember Bola Tinubu as a reformer. It will remember him as a man who schemed for power but squandered it in spectacular fashion.
There is still time for correction, but not under this leadership. Nigeria deserves more than recycled ambition. We need courage, vision, and competence.
Until then, the nation waits. And suffers.
OGUN INVESTS OVER ₦2.25 BILLION TO BOOST AQUACULTURE
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun disclosed that his administration has invested over N2.25Billion with the support from relevant partners to promote aquaculture, towards ensuring food security, job creation, and sustainable livelihood.
Governor Abiodun made this known during the official flag off of Fish Harvest at Ijako-Ota in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the State, adding that his administration was reducing undue dependence on imports and positioning the State as a leader in inland aquaculture.
Represented by his Deputy Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the states helmsman noted that the event was not just about harvesting fish, rather it was about celebrating real cultivation and people-focused progress in the state, appreciating the World Bank and the OGSTEP team for their continued support as well as commitment towards improving the livelihood of its citizenry.
“Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) was developed to strengthen our economy through strategic investments in agriculture. In aquaculture alone, we have supported over 3,400 fish farmers across the State. Each farmer received 72 bags of high-quality feed, with the government subsidising 30 percent of the cost. In total, more than 179,000 bags have been distributed, representing an investment of around ₦2.25 billion”, he noted
Abiodun stressed that agriculture was a serious economic enterprise, noting that his administration remains committed to scaling the cluster model across the State, continue to provide access to finance, inputs, infrastructure, markets, and technology, all in bid to make Ogun State the preferred destination for agribusiness in Nigeria.
He charged the Ministry of Agriculture to fast-track the development of the proposed Processing Zone in the area, as the process would further increase value and reduce post-harvest losses.
Speaking, Chief Economic Adviser and the Commissioner for Finance/Chairman Project Steering committee OGSTEP, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning/Chairman Project Technical Committee OGSTEP, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, stated that the programme underscores the importance of agriculture, especially Aquaculture, saying it would not only help to boost food production but serve as a reservoir for fish farmers in Igidaduro Abule Ewipe fish farm as well as create more jobs for youths.
He also reiterated the State Government’s commitment in supporting agricultural initiatives and partner relevant stakeholders with a view to growing the State economy through food production as well as create more job opportunities for youths.
Earlier, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, said the programme had impacted over 3000 farmers in the State, with a cluster of over 700 fish farmers, noting that the country import about 55 percent of fishes while Ogun State produced 40,000 tonnes as against the demand of over 100, 000, revealing that the present administration led by Prince Dapo Abiodun had invested nothing less than 5.4billion to support different initiatives in agriculture.
Responding, the Project Coordinator OGSTEP, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odusi noted that the flag-off of the fish harvest was not just a celebration of hard work but a testimony to what could be achieved when the right structures are in place describing the successes recorded as largely due to the unwavering support received from the Ogun State Government and other stakeholders
Representing the Olota of Ota, Oba Prof. Abdulkabir Obalanlege, the Onibudo of Ibudo, Oba Dr. Odutola Adewunmi, commended the State Government for his strides in agriculture and other sectors, saying it shows his commitment to good governance.
In his remarks, the Cluster Chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Jinadu, expressed appreciation to the State Government and the OGSTEP team for the laudable initiative, saying before the programme, most fish farmers have closed businesses but the intervention had helped to resuscitate their businesses, while seeking more government support in building processing centers.
The Chairman ACDC, Mr. Atiba Johnson as well as three other beneficiaries also took turns in appreciating the government for the initiatives while asking for further intervention on the access road.
Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman*
_as NSC Affirms State’s Readiness Ahead of Gateway Games 2024_
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially confirmed that Ogun State is fully prepared to host the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, following a comprehensive inspection tour of competition venues, logistics hubs, and athlete accommodations across the state.
Led by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Commission’s delegation visited key facilities including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Alake Sports Centre, Remo Stars Sports Complex, and Babcock University, which will serve as the athletes’ village for the Festival.
The Gateway Games 2024, scheduled to run from May 16 to 30, will bring together thousands of athletes and officials from across Nigeria, competing in more than 32 disciplines, making it one of the largest and most inclusive editions in the Festival’s history.
Speaking after the tour, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko expressed deep confidence in Ogun’s capacity to deliver a landmark event. According to him, “What I have seen here in Ogun is more than infrastructure. It is intent readiness, and ambition. Ogun is set to deliver a brilliant National Sports Festival that will raise the bar and define the standard for future games across Nigeria.”
Reaffirming the state’s commitment, Governor Dapo Abiodun assured the Commission and the Nigerian people of Ogun’s readiness to deliver a historic Games. “We consider it an honour and a responsibility to host this historic Festival. Every facility, every logistic, every detail has been prepared to showcase the best of Ogun and the promise of Nigeria. The Gateway Games will be a model of what’s possible when states align with national vision,” the Governor said.
As the lead agency for sports governance in Nigeria, the National Sports Commission continues to play a central role in coordinating nationwide sports development delivery, enforcing standards, and deepening synergy across all tiers of government. The success of the Gateway Games will serve as a blueprint for future sports development initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
-
Entertainment5 months agoAliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhat You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade
-
celebrity radar - gossips4 months agoAlbums Reviews : Saheed Osupa’s Latest Release : A 2-in-1 Musical Experience
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoHow Primate Ayodele Gave Deceased Actor ‘Agbako’ N100K Monthly Till His Death