The Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and National Publicity Secretary of the City Boy Movement, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, has praised President Bola Tinubu, rating him as the greatest leader Nigeria has ever produced. According to Audu, President Tinubu's career, which spans from his time in the Senate in the aborted Third Republic to his current position as President, is a testament to his leadership abilities. Audu's statement was issued at the weekend, highlighting Tinubu's achievements and contributions to Nigeria's development.
Audu drew comparisons between President Tinubu and former South African President, Nelson Mandela, and former Ghanaian President, Jerry Rawlings, noting that history rarely evaluates consequential political figures from a single chapter of their lives. She emphasized that Tinubu's leadership has produced a range of evidence, including decisions, institutions, coalitions, reforms, and electoral victories. This, she believes, demonstrates his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to Nigeria's progress.
The PEBEC DG also addressed the controversy surrounding President Tinubu's educational background, which was the subject of litigation in the United States in 2023. According to Audu, Chicago State University's registrar confirmed that Tinubu attended the university and graduated in 1979. She argued that formal credentials alone are not enough to explain Tinubu's political trajectory, citing his ability to navigate corporate employment, survive Nigeria's turbulent democratic struggle, and govern Lagos state for eight years.
Audu highlighted President Tinubu's achievements, including his role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his eventual win of the presidency. She described him as a genius, noting that his leadership has had a significant impact on Nigeria's development. Audu also acknowledged that President Tinubu's record must be subjected to a more demanding standard, given the bold reforms implemented by his government, including fuel-subsidy removal and foreign-exchange regime changes.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has acknowledged the structural significance of President Tinubu's reforms in strengthening macroeconomic stability and rebuilding external buffers. However, the IMF has also warned about rising poverty, food insecurity, and fiscal transparency concerns. Audu stressed that comparisons with Mandela and Rawlings are not meant to manufacture equivalence but to illustrate a principle that political identities are not frozen at the point of greatest controversy.
Audu emphasized the importance of scrutinizing President Tinubu's biography and criticizing his government where evidence warrants criticism. She added that his achievements should be subjected to precisely the same evidentiary standard and commendation. According to Audu, Nigeria should resist both hagiography and reductionism, instead opting for a nuanced evaluation of President Tinubu's leadership.
In conclusion, Audu reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is Nigeria's greatest president to date, citing his exceptional leadership skills, achievements, and contributions to Nigeria's development. Her statement has sparked a renewed debate about President Tinubu's legacy and leadership, with many Nigerians weighing in on his performance.
Key points
- PEBEC DG Audu praises President Tinubu as Nigeria's greatest leader.
- Audu draws comparisons between President Tinubu and Nelson Mandela and Jerry Rawlings.
- President Tinubu's leadership has had a significant impact on Nigeria's development.
