Not a few commentators have pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is perhaps the first democratically-elected leader of the country whose emergence was powered by clear intent and preparation, not circumstantial providence, and who is quite determined to prove a point. His work rate and methodical approach, since he was sworn in on May 29, support this assertion.
He laid down the marker on his first day with an inspiring, uniting, and strong inaugural speech that promised continuity where relevant but also sweeping, growth-based changes where necessary. He wouldn’t prolong the life of the corrupt fuel subsidy regime by a second more upon its expiration at the end of June, per the outgone administration’s budgeting.
Multiple exchange rates will be a thing of the past and foreign investors will enjoy the freedom to repatriate their returns without hassle. The country, under his watch, will not be governed according to partisan or biased considerations, but with the spirit of equity and fairness.
The speech lifted the anxiety of the entire nation, more so market actors who obtained the certainty they hoped for that President Tinubu remains the business-friendly democrat who transformed a city choked by dirt and debris (remnants of a festering decay) into one of the largest economies in Africa. And they reacted, causing a gain of N1.5 trillion in the Nigerian stock market, the highest this year. President Tinubu now holds the record as the Nigerian leader responsible for the biggest gain in the stock market on his first day of office since 1999.
On day 2, determined to accelerate the transition of his plans into functional policies backed by law, he met with key actors such as Mele Kyari, the NNPCL boss, Godwin Emefiele of the CBN and HOR Speaker, who has now been appointed as the president’s Chief of Staff pending the expiration of his outstanding service in the Green Chamber.
A plan was agreed to on how to minimize the momentary pain and discomfort that will inevitably greet the new changes, particularly the end of the subsidy regime, and a timeline of action was developed and immediately adopted for execution.
This would include a clear communication campaign designed to provide the public with information on why the action became necessary and its long-term benefits to the nation. A particular highlight was an illuminating interview granted by Mele Kyari of the NNPCL which served to dispel false notions and narratives and helped the public make sense of the market’s reshuffling.
President Bola Tinubu followed another rigorous day with a meeting with the representative of an international player crucial to the future of the country and the African continent in terms of trade and development. He received the Special Envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vice Chairman of the Chinese National People’s Congress, HE Peng Qinghua, at the State House.
Then he convened the Service Chiefs, the heads of all the units of the country’s armed forces, and shared his vision for safety and security, while also charging them to combine efforts and work harmoniously.
He would repeat the same charge this week whilst inspecting the new Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). For him, it was a simple matter. Security agencies, across units and sub-divisions, have the same mandate; the preservation of law and order. With this objective as lodestar, they must work, hand-in-hand, to help each other achieve their specific goal.
President Tinubu cleared all doubt about his serious commitment to the elimination of petty, distractive and unproductive rivalry amongst government agencies and units when he directed the DSS to immediately vacate the premises of the EFCC office in Lagos following reports of a blockade.
It was a first week of big wins and brave decisions. The second week, which we are halfway into, is no different. Striking health workers have resumed work, after a meeting with the president. They heard his plans and became convinced that he would resolve all lingering issues. The TUC and NLC also got the same conviction and called off a planned nationwide strike over the removal of fuel subsidies.
Every day since his swearing-in without fail, President Tinubu has maintained a packed schedule, manoeuvering past obstacles to put the sail of his Renewed Hope boat in position to catch the wind. His bright start and round-the-clock stewardship shame the malicious propaganda of those who spread the falsehood of a frail, senile old man. Reality paints a different picture. Nigerians are seeing a wise and experienced leader in whose sure and steady hands a new Nigeria looks increasingly likely to be born and nurtured to life.
His supporters across the nation couldn’t be more certain that they made the right choice. His critics, unable to hide their delight and pleasant surprise, are left wondering why they couldn’t see what has now become clear. Tinubu means business and he is ready for it.