By Gidado Ibrahim
In a presidential democracy, the role of the oposition is key to getting an incumbent government on its toes. Some democratic governments around the world have, through this means, scored high in delivering dividends of democracy to their people. In order words, no democracy can be virile without the role of an opposition.
However, where the role of opposition becomes a tool for peddling lies, mischief and throwing clog in the wheels of the country’s progress, it becomes a pain in the neck. In recent times, our nation has witnessed a surge in baseless allegations and malicious, unconstructive criticisms targeted at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It’s high time the critics learned their lesson. Instead of the public policy propagandists using the media to hype governance, they should use public funds in their domain to alleviate the suffering of their supporters whom they are working hard to satisfy.
Under the renewed hope administration, trillions of naira and palliatives have been doled out to governors, but the armchair critics have refused to reciprocate these kind gesture by telling Nigerians about what the Tinubu administration is doing to ameliorate their plight. They are busy faulting the administration because of their 2027 ambition.
Nigerians are tired of this slandering of President Tunubu. We expected these critics to show remorse and confess how they looted the treasury during their tenure in government, apologize to Nigerians and return the looted public funds.
For instance, in a recent statement, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, launched a scathing attack on the Tinubu administration, criticising the seizure of presidential jets. While criticism is essential in a democracy, Obi’s attack is not only misinformed but also unconstructive, failing to acknowledge the complexities of governance and the need for constructive dialogue.
The partnership agreement in question was entered into by the Ogun State government in 2007, long before Tinubu became president. This crucial detail is often overlooked in Obi’s narrative, which seeks to blame the current administration for a decision made by a previous state government. It is essential to understand that this agreement was a state-level initiative, not a federal one. Therefore, it is unfair to hold the current administration accountable for a decision that was not theirs to make.
The dispute stems from a terminated 2007 contract to develop a free-trade zone, with Zhongshan alleging a “campaign of illegal acts” forced them out, while Nigerian authorities accuse the company of attempting to “undercut and scam” them. Why and how did Tinubu became the subject of criticism in the whole of these, if not a grandstanding attempt to give a dog bad name in order to hang it?
Furthermore, Obi’s criticism fails to provide alternative solutions or engage in meaningful discussions. Rather than offering constructive suggestions, his statement comes across as a politically-motivated attack, aimed at scoring points rather than addressing the issue at hand. This approach is unhelpful and undermines the need for collaborative governance.
As Nigeria navigates its numerous challenges, the country needs leaders who can engage in constructive criticism, focusing on finding solutions rather than scoring political points. It is crucial for political leaders to prioritise the nation’s interest over partisan interests, working together to address the complex problems facing the country.
In addition, Obi’s criticism ignores the efforts made by the Tinubu administration to address the issue. The government has been working to resolve the matter, but such efforts are overlooked in Obi’s haste to criticise. A more constructive approach would involve acknowledging these efforts and offering suggestions for improvement.
To the Chinese government, I want to appeal that a timely intervention could, indeed, help resolve the dispute between Zhongshan Fucheng and the Ogun State government in Nigeria, preventing further escalation and potential damage to the strong diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, which dated back to February10, 1971.
The seizure of three Nigerian government jets by a French court has raised the stakes, highlighting the need for a swift resolution. China’s intervention could help facilitate negotiations, clarify any misunderstandings, and find a mutually beneficial solution, ensuring that this trade dispute does not harm the robust China-Nigeria diplomatic relations built over the past five decades.
The Ogun State incident that brought this untold embarrassment to our country is just a tip of an iceberg of the frugality of state governors, who govern their respective States like emperors. Recall that last Friday, at the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting in Jalingo, the chairman of the forum, Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed, had accussed President Tinubu of blame games.
The Forum advised the President to undertake a review of macroeconomic and social policies to give them a human face. What audacity? Let me ask, is the problem about policy or insincerity of governors who collect huge allocations and treat same as personal money?
Governors are the problems, QED! Despite the huge allocations as a result of removal of fuel subsidy, there’s nothing in states to show for it. The federal government will release subsidy or palliative to help the people at the grassroots, officials of state government will divert, rebag and push them into the market for sales. Numerous example abound to back this claim. Let me make it clear; no policy can succeed without the prudent cooperation of state government. That’s why Nigeria is a federal state.
Mr Peter Obi is not alone in this. For Instance, last week, a perpetual presidential contestant and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, had gone to town with allegations of “criminal hijack” and “personal business interests” against Tinubu. In a press release, Atiku claimed that President Tinubu and Wale Tinubu had a vested interest in the company’s acquisition of OVH.
However, it took the NNPCL that came out strongly to deny these allegations and set the record straight, as well as providing clarity on the matter.
Let me reitrate that a credible opposition doesn’t hesitate to commend the incumbent, where it has done well. The situation we have in Nigeria is unconstructive and blind criticisms. These merchant of mischief are pretending not to see the openness and transparency with which the NNPCL is being managed under Tinubu. The company’s commitment to transparency and accountability was well demonstrated by its 2023 Audited Financial Statement, which reported a profit after tax of N3.3 trillion.
Enough is enough! It’s time to call out these mischief makers and demand they cease their distracting antics. President Tinubu was elected to lead our great nation, and he deserves the chance to focus on his agenda without unnecessary hindrances. The constant barrage of false accusations and misinformation only serves to divert attention away from the real issues and hinder the administration’s ability to deliver on its promises.
The latest allegations surrounding the NNPCL’s acquisition of OVH are a prime example of this mischief. Despite the company’s clear denials and explanations, these detractors continue to spread falsehoods and fuel speculation. This does not only damages the President’s reputation but also undermines the confidence of Nigerians in their institutions. It’s time to put the facts above politics and allow the administration to work for the people.
I advise these mischief makers to channel their energies into constructive criticism and engagement. If they have genuine concerns, let them present them in a respectful and fact-based manner. Our nation deserves better than petty politics and distractions. We need to focus on the real issues: economic growth, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and security.
President Tinubu has a vision for Nigeria, and he needs our support to achieve it. His administration has already made significant strides in various sectors, and it is essential we allow them to build on this momentum. Let us rally behind him and encourage him to stay focused on his goals. Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation.
To the mischief makers, we say, stop distracting President Tinubu! Let him work for Nigeria! Our nation’s progress is more important than your political agendas. It’s time to put Nigeria first!
In conclusion, the criticisms leveled by Peter Obi against the Tinubu administration regarding the seized presidential jets lack merit and hinder progress. As Nigeria strides forward, it’s crucial to promote constructive dialogue and collaborative leadership that drives development.
Meanwhile, the NNPCL has decisively refuted Atiku Abubakar’s allegations, providing evidence to substantiate its stance. This incident highlights the need for politicians to engage in respectful debate, eschewing slander and personal attacks. By prioritizing transparency and truth, we can foster trust in public institutions and work towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.