President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated that he should not be pitied for taking on the daunting task of rebooting Nigeria's broken system of social and economic relationships. During his inauguration dinner on May 28, 2023, Tinubu stated, "We have corruption, insecurity, and many problems confronting us … but don’t pity me. I asked for the job. I campaigned for it. No excuses. I will live up to expectations, I promise you." This statement has been widely cited as general elections approach.
Tinubu's statement has been likened to the position of Italian political philosopher Antonio Gramsci, who analyzed a society in crisis. Gramsci stated that a crisis lies in the inability to move away from a failed system, leading to the birth of a new society. Nigeria is currently facing numerous challenges, including corruption, insecurity, and economic problems. The country is in a state of crisis, with many describing it as being in the "age of monsters."
Despite the challenges, Tinubu has shown bravery in attempting to address the country's problems. He has a parliamentary majority to tackle Nigeria's key problem, a structural malfunction dating back to the suspension of the 1963 Republican Constitution and the enactment of Decree 34 of 1966. This decree allowed the genie to escape the bottle, and subsequent efforts to put it back have failed. Tinubu's efforts to reform the system, including local government reforms and the submission of an Executive Bill for state policing, are seen as vital steps towards dismantling the roadblocks holding back the Nigerian state.
Tinubu's reforms, including subsidy removal and forex modulation, are considered "game-changers" but also risky. If the social contract remains elusive to the vast majority or tilts towards the benefit of a few, it is destined to fizzle away. A second Tinubu administration is highly recommended, as Nigeria needs a breath of fresh air by continuing to erase items from the debilitating Exclusive Legislative List. The Exclusive Legislative List has 68 items, which is a clear contradiction in terms for a federal state.
The concept of federalism in Nigeria is often described as "federalism means that you eat what you kill." This description of fiscal federalism saves discerning minds from wading through volumes of scholarly works. Tinubu's strategic roadmap and commitment to dismantling post-1966 quasi-federalism are seen as essential for a better-functioning society and a competitive Nigeria. His efforts to devolve and functionalize local governments and policing systems will lead to the logical obliteration of the remaining barriers imposed by the Exclusive Legislative List.
None of Tinubu's competitors possess a similar history of taking a consistent, pro-federalist stance or have clearly committed to dismantling post-1966 quasi-federalism. Therefore, with polling day approaching, it would be reckless not to stick with a candidate who has shown a commitment to reforming the system. Tinubu's participation in the Nairobi Summit and his recent Easter vacation, during which he will unveil projects in Ogun, Lagos, and Bayelsa, demonstrate his efforts to engage with various stakeholders and promote development.
In conclusion, President Tinubu's statement not to be pitied for taking on Nigeria's challenges is a reminder of his commitment to addressing the country's problems. His efforts to reform the system, including local government reforms and state policing, are seen as vital steps towards creating a better-functioning society and a competitive Nigeria. As the general elections approach, Nigerians will be watching closely to see if Tinubu's efforts will yield the desired results.
Key points
- President Tinubu has shown bravery in attempting to address Nigeria's problems, including corruption, insecurity, and economic challenges.
- Tinubu's reforms, including local government reforms and state policing, are seen as vital steps towards dismantling the roadblocks holding back the Nigerian state.
- A second Tinubu administration is highly recommended, as Nigeria needs to continue erasing items from the debilitating Exclusive Legislative List.
