Tinubu’s Presidency, By Tesimi Edemadiden

As a multifaceted personality, ASIWAJU Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ascended to the presidency of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, embodies a plethora of talents and capabilities, reminiscent of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche’s concept of the “ideal superior man of the future” as articulated in Thus Spake Zarathustra. Nigerians, captivated by his seemingly boundless abilities, often perceive him as a superman, capable of transcending conventional moralities to assert his own values.

However, despite his perceived prowess, the enigma surrounding Tinubu’s character remains largely elusive, eclipsing the public’s understanding of him. His recent disappearance from the public eye for over a week, despite occupying the highest office in the land, left many baffled. Moreover, the uncanny ability of Tinubu to elicit a state of eerie silence among the populace, even in the face of blatant misconduct, underscores the mysterious allure he commands.

Upon his return from a purported official visit to the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, Tinubu’s absence sparked speculation and intrigue as to his whereabouts. Despite assurances from his aides regarding the nature of his trip, questions lingered regarding the president’s sudden disappearance and subsequent silence surrounding the matter.

However, revelations emerged suggesting that Tinubu’s absence was due to a sudden illness he encountered during the World Economic Forum meeting in Riyadh. In typical fashion, the presidency opted for opacity, choosing to remain tight-lipped rather than offer transparent explanations to the Nigerian public.

Yet, despite the opacity surrounding Tinubu’s actions, it appears that he continues to operate with impunity, emboldened by a sense of invincibility and control over the Nigerian political landscape. This audacious behavior, characterized by a disregard for accountability and transparency, only serves to underscore the extent of Tinubu’s perceived dominance over the country’s political arena.

Moreover, the emergence of individuals like Daniel Bwala, a vocal proponent of Tinubu’s agenda, further highlights the erosion of ethical standards within Nigeria’s political discourse. Bwala’s brazen defense of Tinubu’s actions, even at the expense of contradicting constitutional principles, exemplifies the lengths to which individuals will go to curry favor with those in power.

However, such sycophantic behavior should serve as a cautionary tale for Nigerians, signaling the potential dangers of unchecked political ambition and the erosion of democratic values. As Tinubu continues to consolidate his power and influence, it becomes increasingly imperative for the Nigerian populace to remain vigilant and hold their leaders accountable for their actions.

Furthermore, comparisons with leaders from other nations, such as the United States and South Africa, underscore the stark contrast in accountability and transparency between Nigeria and more established democracies. In these countries, public officials are held to a higher standard of accountability, with expectations of transparency regarding their health and whereabouts.

In contrast, Nigeria’s political landscape appears mired in a culture of impunity and opacity, where leaders operate with impunity and evade accountability at will. Such a state of affairs not only undermines the democratic principles upon which the nation was founded but also perpetuates a cycle of corruption and malfeasance within the highest echelons of power.

In conclusion, while ASIWAJU Bola Ahmed Tinubu may continue to wield considerable influence within Nigeria’s political sphere, his actions and those of his cohorts should not go unchallenged. It is incumbent upon the Nigerian populace to demand greater transparency and accountability from their leaders, lest the nation descend further into a state of lawlessness and disregard for democratic norms. Only through vigilant oversight and unwavering commitment to democratic principles can Nigeria hope to emerge from the shadows of impunity and embrace a future defined by transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

Tesimi Edemadiden, a public affairs commentator, writes from Abraka, Delta State.  Email: edemadidentesimi211@gmail.com