Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo is the National Chairman, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group (AATSG), one of the major campaign groups that worked for the enthronement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 election. In this piece for Sunday Independent, Odunowo responds to another viral piece by Sanusi Muhammad, titled ‘Tinubu’s Grand Chessboard: The Ruthless Calculations for 2027’, even as he explains the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his recent article, ‘Tinubu’s Grand Chessboard: The Ruthless Calculations for 2027’, Sanusi Muhammad offers a narrative that invokes alarm, portraying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as a faceless machine of oppression and broken promises.
While it is essential to hold leaders accountable, the problem lies in Muhammad’s approach, which prioritises sensationalism over truth and undermines the foundations of our democracy. This discourse does not merely misrepresent reality; it also serves to widen the gulf between various ethnic and regional groups within Nigeria, destabilising the progress we have fought so hard to achieve.
In confronting complex governance issues, it is vital to employ measured language that expresses truth without inflaming division. Muhammad’s portrayal of Tinubu as an autocratic figure does little to advance democratic accountability. He highlights the economic reforms instituted by the administration, removal of subsidies and foreign exchange restructuring as acts of tyranny.
Yet, these reforms are attempts to address issues that have plagued Nigeria for decades. They are difficult decisions made in pursuit of long-term economic health rather than short-term political gain. Responsible discourse requires acknowledging the intricacies of governance instead of resorting to hyperbolic accusations that portray these necessary reforms as mechanisms of oppression.
Moreover, it is essential to recognise that these reforms are under the oversight of legislative bodies, subject to review, debate, and public engagement. In this light, the characterisation of governance as a mere ‘grand chessboard’ becomes an affront to the democratic processes that guide our nation.
Muhammad’s narrative also taps into the dangerous waters of regional and ethnic resentment. He exaggerates feelings of betrayal among different ethnic groups as a direct effect of Tinubu’s policies, painting him as an outsider unable to unite the country.
However, such rigid depictions fall flat against the evolving reality of Nigerian politics, characterized by a burgeoning focus on issues rather than identities. The president’s coalition spans across ethnic and regional lines, exemplifying a willingness among Nigerians to engage with diverse political ideologies.
Yet, this representation of Tinubu as an ill-fitted leader not only misinterprets the dynamics of Nigerian politics but also risks inciting further discord among our communities. Blaming economic challenges solely on one leader undermines the responsibility of all citizens to engage constructively with the political landscape. Promoting a narrative of division is both reckless and harmful to national unity.
Muhammad’s critique also evokes a troubling irony when he deems the Nigerian populace as politically apathetic and powerless. However, our citizens have exhibited remarkable resilience and agency. Movements such as #EndSARS illustrate a public that is not naïve but aware and capable of demanding accountability. The true strength of democracy lies in the civic engagement of its people, not in resignation to conspiracy-laden tales.
Thus, empowering citizens involves fostering a culture of political participation and informed discourse. It means ensuring that the public is equipped with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of governance and contribute meaningfully to democratic processes. The focus should be on nurturing an atmosphere where constructive dialogue thrives, rather than stoking fear and suspicion.
If we are to challenge Tinubu effectively, and all leaders in a democracy, our approach should hinge on constructive opposition that values respectful critique and institutional accountability. Engaging in a politics of ideas is crucial. This means calling for transparency, advocating for electoral reform, and working together to address the issues confronting our nation, free from the baggage of ethnic division and sensationalism.
To nurture a healthy democracy, we must collectively reject the narratives that threaten to tear us apart. Let us champion accountability through facts and civic engagement, advocate for transparency with a sense of patriotic duty, avoid the pitfalls of ethnic profiling, and recognize the intelligence of the Nigerian populace.
Our path forward lies not in tearing down our political institutions but in building them up through informed discourse. Let’s navigate these challenging times together, fortified by understanding rather than fear, and dedicate ourselves to a future where every voice matters in shaping Nigeria’s destiny. Let us not destroy the house of democracy to chase shadows in its hallways.
On how President Tinubuj’s Renew Hope Agenda has impacted on the populace, Otunba Abayomi stated: “The Renewed Hope Government, whose reign over the past 17 months has been marked by progressive policies and strategic initiatives designed to propel Nigeria towards a brighter future.
“This administration has undertaken groundbreaking steps to address existing issues while laying a foundation for sustainable development across various sectors.”
Odunowo maintained that one of the paramount achievements of this administration is the commitment to local government autonomy, which he stressed, has empowered local authorities to manage their resources effectively, fostering accountability and enhancing citizen engagement.
Also, he argued that the initiation of the Students Loan Scheme aims to alleviate the financial burdens on students, ensuring equitable access to quality education.
In Odonowo’s view the controversial removal of the fuel subsidy presents a bold move that, while initially painful, promises to redirect funds into crucial public services and infrastructure projects.
He argued: “In a demonstration of commitment to innovation, the NASENI-Portland CNG Conversion and Training Centre has been established, signifying Nigeria’s dedication to cleaner energy sources.
“Economically, the government has successfully increased foreign reserves from $33 billion to $37 billion, enhancing fiscal stability and investor confidence. Additionally, power generation has peaked at a three-year high of over 5,000MW, addressing one of Nigeria’s critical infrastructure gaps and supporting industrial growth.
“The government’s efforts to stabilise the economy are further underscored by the clearance of an outstanding N12 billion owed to various national sports teams, and a substantial investment of $100 million in the proposed African Energy Bank. This fuels aspirations to elevate Nigeria as a central player in the African energy sector, further demonstrated through the $7 billion FX backlog clearance.
“Furthermore, healthcare initiatives have taken centre stage with the ambitious goal of increasing Functional Primary Healthcare Centres from 8,809 to over 17,000, coupled with an investment of N683 billion in tertiary institutions.
“Additional safety nets, including the N9 billion allocation for group life assurance for federal workers and the clearance of a N18.4 billion assurance fund for fallen servicemen, showcase the government’s commitment to welfare and dignity.”
Continuing, the AATSG boss stated that on the infrastructure front, the government has inaugurated major projects, such as the 132KV transmission line in Ondo, and approved contracts for the 1000km Sokoto-Badagry Highway. He stressed that the relaunching of the Abuja Light Rail commercialisation and the construction of the 700km Calabar-Lagos Superhighway have invigorated transportation networks, fostering economic growth and connectivity.
He listed the administration’s economic revitalisation strategies to include the Consumer Credit Scheme and a N75 billion loan for MSMEs, which he stated, are crucial for driving domestic production and reducing dependency on imports.
“With measures that also include the increment of the minimum wage, an increased NYSC allowance, and substantial upgrades to healthcare infrastructure through a $250 million GAVI grant, the Renewed Hope Government has outlined a robust framework for social and economic reform.
“The Renewed Hope Government has not merely reacted to Nigeria’s pressing challenges, but has proactively implemented a wide-ranging and ambitious agenda. This government’s transformative policies hint at a brighter, more resilient future for Nigeria – one where citizens can thrive, unencumbered by the weight of systemic issues that have long held them back.
“As the country navigates these significant changes, the hope for a renewed Nigeria is palpable, and the time for collective progress is now,” he stressed.