I recently watched a TikTok video in which a Kano resident expressed satisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s administration, noting that there are no more petrol queues, with station attendants now calling on customers to buy. I couldn’t help but think this person might be either a praise singer or one of the few who have the means to enjoy life under Tinubu, alongside members of the Federal Executive, heads of government agencies, and ‘elected’ legislators. But one wonders how many Nigerians have the funds to take advantage of these “queue-less” filling stations.
My thoughts were reinforced when I came across a video where U.S. President-elect Donald Trump thanked President Tinubu for an $8 million “donation.” It’s unlikely this was given when Trump became President-elect; it was likely during his campaign as a Republican candidate. If so, did Tinubu also make a similar donation to Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate and sitting Vice President?
Imagine what that $8 million (plus any undisclosed amount potentially given to the Democratic Party) could do for Nigeria’s economy, where poverty is overwhelming. Was this donation made on behalf of Nigerian citizens, or purely for personal gain, as Tinubu is said to be the wealthiest politician in the country? If neither candidate asked for it, perhaps Tinubu expects some form of repayment, hoping for support from the U.S. in his bid for a second term, knowing that Nigerian voters may be disinclined to re-elect him after experiencing the failures of his administration.
Early in Tinubu’s administration, the National Anthem composed by a Nigerian was unceremoniously replaced with the old version, written by a foreigner. This unpopular decision was passed by a compliant National Assembly (NASS), further highlighting an administration that appears to prioritize foreign influence over national pride.
This administration and its leaders live in luxury, while Nigerians are constantly urged to “bear with” the harsh economic conditions. Yet, these hardships have been imposed on citizens by what seems to be an inept government.
In a viral video, President Tinubu and his Vice were seen dancing lavishly at an event in the Presidential Villa, seemingly indifferent to the nation’s economic hardships. Before this, Daily Trust reported an exclusive story on the president’s office spending $200,000 on four tires for one of his official vehicles. Astonishingly, this cost matched the vehicle’s overall price. Reportedly, many more such tires are stocked in Aso Rock, despite claims that the country’s finances are strained, prompting policies that have practically eliminated Nigeria’s middle class.
Meanwhile, Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso stated that, as of September 2024, Nigeria’s foreign reserves reached $40 billion for the first time in 33 months. While that might seem positive, the benefit appears restricted to a select few in the leadership’s inner circle.
The Punch recently reported a national survey showing that over a third of Nigerians now fall into the low-income bracket, with fewer people in the higher-earning categories—a clear setback for the country.
It seems many Nigerians, particularly in the North, have unwittingly boarded a “one-chance” vehicle, with their leader driving them toward poverty and hardship. Yet, ultimately, God’s plan will prevail over any attempts to oppress the people. May these harmful schemes backfire on those who perpetuate them.
Labaran wrote from Katsina.
