President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have had butterflies as he took the helm last Monday. That morning, how did he feel? Did he pinch himself? The Jagaban, Senator Oluremi, and family anxiously awaited it.
Dawn finally arrived. May 29 was memorable for Tinubu. Remi would have informed Tinubu that morning, “Oko mi, e ja gba du ra,” as they prepared for history. “My spouse, pray.”
A praying family stays together.
Why can’t anything change under Tinubu’s APC presidency? He was hired after applying. Throughout 30 years, Asiwaju Tinubu has prepared for the role. Nigeria may start over with APC’s Renewed Hope manifesto.
2 Corinthians 5:17 is one of Apostle Paul’s famous Corinthian writings. Because “the old order of things hath gone away,” “Behold, all things have become new” is pertinent.
Paul wrote most New Testament epistles. Nigeria needs a new direction from President Tinubu, and he knows Nigerians are eager to profit from the improvements.
Tinubu understands he must satisfy Nigerians in his new capacity. This moral weight is self-imposed, but others will aid. International backing for the new administration is reassuring.
Tinubu’s inauguration gasoline subsidy elimination and foreign exchange arbitrage announcements were timely, respectable, and exemplary. How long will we pretend not to know where the shoe pinches?
We waste government money. Since taking office, Tinubu’s best move was ending fuel subsidies, and the two-year-old Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) supports him.
Six months after the National Assembly enacted the bill, fuel subsidies ceased on February 17, 2021. Former President Muhammadu Buhari had the bravery but not the political resolve to abolish the deceptive fuel subsidy programme that spawned fat cats over the years.
How could we pay for the subsidies while the federal government was drowning in debt? NNPC Limited paid for the government’s premium motor spirit (PMS) imports.
At a news conference, NNPC Limited CEO Mele Kyari said the company is due N2.8 trillion for imported PMS. Petrol subsidies exceeded $10 billion last year, and this money may have funded needed services.
President Tinubu should view two trending and intelligent videos by Audu Ogbe (on eliminating toothpick imports that drain foreign exchange) and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (on ending multiple foreign exchange rates).
Corruption dominates. How can we fix this widespread public-private issue? Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director General, says tackling corruption is risky.
Ogbe (former agriculture minister) and Sanusi (banker, spiritual leader, and former Emir of Kano) are well-known and give honest answers. They say tough measures are needed to save our economy from Nigeria’s “enemy”, who have formed cartels for their own gain, and economic sabotage has been their sole goal for years.
Stolen oil and solid minerals must be stopped. Our gold is also allegedly stolen from Zamfara State and transported to Niamey, Niger Republic, where private jets transport it to its eventual destination.
Economic saboteurs? Not Nigerians? President Tinubu must build the best administration to fight these vested interests. They must be trustworthy and selfless. They also need the ability, track record, and fortitude to do the right thing without fear of favour.
Nigerians and investors will applaud Tinubu depending on who he appoints within 30 days. Hope must be rekindled. The president must be fair to all, including mending shattered hearts, as the father of the nation.
Political drama and conspiracy thriller “Designated Survivor” is recommended. The 53-episode, three-season sitcom showed how an accidental American president, Thomas Kirkman, prioritised “purity” and “fair-play” to protect Americans.
Tinubu should always defend the public interest with courage, integrity, and justice, and he must never support a few powerful Nigerians and their international allies.
Kirkman argued in the movie that the right thing must always be done for the American people. He scoffed at the concept that anyone in the White House—or any American—should cut corners to succeed. He championed human rights, dignity, liberty, freedom, and justice as the foundation of American democracy.
President Tinubu should apply Rotary’s Four-Way test daily: Is it the truth; Is it fair to all affected; Will it promote goodwill and stronger friendships; Will it benefit all concerned?
Rotary, a worldwide fellowship and humanitarian service organisation founded in 1905 by Chicago attorney Paul Harris, values integrity. Service, diversity, leadership, and fellowship are the others.
Asiwaju Tinubu will also use these values while he works. “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” relates to him. I can only picture his daily itinerary.
Mr. President, no time for frivolities. Tell groups that want to come to Aso Villa in colourful costumes to congratulate you that you are occupied.
Others will criticise your presidency behind your back. This is why you must work hard for Nigeria and clearly message “eye service” people to stay away.
You’re a former senator and governor. Show the world that the “Emilokan” spirit is alive to serve Nigeria. It’s your legacy.
Tolerate appointment reminders. Lobbying is part of the game, but fairness, ethics, and social justice are the rules.
Put Nigeria first in all your decisions and defend our democracy, which you battled for at the cost of your life under the jackboot military tyranny of late Sani Abacha. Evidence proves that.
Even your detractors will recognise your leadership and accomplishments.
You excelled as Lagos State governor from 1999 to 2005. As Nigeria’s 16th president, it’s time to do more nationally.
Good luck, Tinubu, president.
