Tinubu: Between Reasonable Pragmatism and Necessary Empathy

By Zekeri Idakwo

Since May 29, 2023 when he made the famous “subsidy is gone” statement and followed up with a series of factual explanations on why he would implement his predecessor’s subsidy removal policy, Nigerians have learnt to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a no-nonsense, firm and decisive leader who knows what he wants and wants people to follow his vision to take the country to the Promised Land.

But last Monday’s broadcast showed a President who wanted to to show that despite his tough mien, he was still a father and grandfather who would not watch his wards suffer without at least caring and saying kind words to them.

The tone of Mr President’s speech was that of appeal and his mood was that of empathy. This President knows when and how to communicate with people unlike his predecessor who would keep a straight face in the worst circumstances with the assumption that his good intentions and so-called integrity are enough.

Bola Tinubu saw the need and the urgency to address the burning issues associated with fuel price increase and its many multiplier effects.

Few words stood out in the first paragraph of the speech. He said “I want to talk to you.” There is a difference between I want to talk to you and let me explain. I could sense his deepest concern and empathy regarding the hardship Nigerians are passing through.

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It was obvious from the beginning that he wanted to explain once again the fundamental reasons behind the removal of fuel subsidy and remind Nigerians why they had to endure the present temporary pains.

It was important however that he also had a good number of palliative measures to share with Nigerians which will also bring succour to the people.

And in the second paragraph, he said he was not interested in bothering Nigerians with complicated economic jargons but to explain to them in clear terms how the country’s economy got here and what needs to be done to have a headway.

The two paragraphs were intended to capture the emotions of Nigerians and set the atmosphere and the direction for the entire address.

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Tinubu further demystified the fuel subsidy regime and explained the danger embedded in continuing the payment of subsidy as well as how it was eating deep into the fabric of our economy. He added with emphasis that only few individuals were feeding fat from what belongs to the entire nation in the name of fuel subsidy.

The President also touched another crucial area of the economy, the multiple exchange rates and the corrupt practices going on in the system. He saw the need to restructure the exchange rates and eliminate the black market regime.

Talking about palliatives, his intervention plans on paper seem to make sense in the long term. 500 billion naira is a good start considering where we were and where we are right now. And the money will go round and touch the key sectors, from big business enterprises to MSMEs, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation.

Based on the well written and brilliantly delivered speech, Nigerians are willing to give the President the benefit of doubt especially as ministers are coming on board to help him deliver on his vision.

Tinubu is the only Nigeria president from the start of his campaign that has consistently used some conventional phrases in unconventional circumstances to accomplish his objectives and there are a lot of quotable quotes which he has added to the country’s political lexicon. Phrases such as “emi lokan”, “subsidy is gone” and just recently, “after darkness comes the glorious dawn” will continue to shape our polity for a long time to come.

The national broadcast was loaded. It is now left for the President and his surrogates to follow the sweet words with appreciate action, and save the economy from collapse.