The Nigerian populace is grappling with a tempest of discontent following the unveiling of President Bola Tinubu‘s first supplementary budget.
Amidst a nationwide cost of living crisis, the proposal starkly includes a lavish array of vehicles for the president and his spouse, alongside opulent expenditures such as a presidential yacht and extensive renovations to his villa.
This supplementary budget, seeking funds over and above the previous year’s allocation sanctioned by Tinubu’s predecessor, arrives at a time when the Nigerian government is urging its citizens to endure hardships partially precipitated by the president’s sweeping economic reforms.
The nation, Africa’s most densely populated, is currently beset by rampant joblessness, skyrocketing food costs and a currency in freefall.
At the heart of the controversy is a staggering 1.5 billion-naira allocation earmarked for the procurement of SUVs for the office of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu – a sum that overshadows the budgets of several federal colleges.
Additionally, the budget outlines an allocation of nearly 6 billion naira for presidential SUVs, a figure that dwarfs the proposed funding for a student loan programme aimed at aiding impoverished families.
The presidency’s spokesman, Temitope Ajayi, has refuted claims of extravagance and decried the media’s portrayal of the budget, stating in a column published by a local news outlet that the “public attack” stems from a “very simplistic way some of the line items are described by civil servants who prepare the budget.”
Ajayi insists that the new vehicles are designated for use by aides and civil servants, not President Tinubu himself.
Notwithstanding, federal lawmakers have yet to consent to the budget items, which include the contentious 5 billion-naira presidential yacht listed under the navy’s planned expenditures.
It’s worth noting that the legislature itself has not been immune to criticism, having previously been condemned for acquiring an array of expensive SUVs.
President Tinubu, who assumed office in May, has terminated a popular fuel subsidy and removed currency controls, resulting in an acute spike in prices and significant devaluation of the naira.
Consequently, many Nigerian households find themselves struggling to make ends meet in a country where a stark 40% of its over 200 million citizens subsist in extreme poverty.
The previous year saw Nigeria allocate roughly 96% of its revenue to debt servicing, and the government is currently poised to raise 9 trillion naira to finance the forthcoming year’s budget. With the nation in the throes of financial strain, the proposed opulence in the supplementary budget is inciting public ire.
Ghana’s President NanaAkufo-Addo has appealed to the global community to support Africa in its efforts to address the challenges of terrorism in the Sahel region and the resurgence of coups across the continent.
Speaking at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Akufo-Addo highlighted the significant impact of instability in the Sahel, which has placed political and economic burdens on West African nations. He urged the international community to provide immediate assistance to aid in the region’s recovery and enhance the quality of life for the affected citizens.
“Instability in the Sahel and widespread terrorist activities have put West African countries under severe political pressure and economic strain. Several countries in the region have lost vast stretches of territory to the rampaging terrorists,” he said.
According to a report by Vision of Humanity, the Sahel region has become the new epicentre of terrorism, with deaths rising ten times between 2007 and 2021. The report also noted that groups such as Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda continue to wage a violent campaign in the region, accounting for 35% of global total of terrorism deaths in 2021.
Akufo-Addosaid that West African countries are trying their best to deal with the situation, but they need more support from the international community, especially from Europe and its allies. He reminded them of the historical ties between Africa and the Allies in World War II, when Africans fought and died in defence of Europe’s freedom and prosperity.
“Africans fought and died in the Second World War in defence of Europe and her Allies, who reset the world towards the path of peace and prosperity that their nations and citizens have enjoyed for decades now. It is surely time for the world to reciprocate in our time of need,” he said.
He also expressed concern about the “misconception” that coups are the solution to the threats that confront some African nations. He said that coups undermine democracy and development, and create more problems than they solve.
“Coup d’états have reemerged as what some mistakenly hope would be the solution to the threats that confront their nations,” he said.
Akufo-Addo called on the international community to respect and support the efforts of regional and continental organisations, such as ECOWAS and AU, to resolve conflicts and restore stability in Africa. He also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to democracy, human rights, rule of law, and good governance.
“Ghana remains firmly committed to democracy as a system of governance that best serves our interests as a people. We will continue to work with our partners across Africa and beyond to promote democracy, human rights, rule of law, and good governance on our continent,” he said.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has provided reassurance to the nation’s citizens, confirming that the existing petrol price will remain unchanged as there is “no intention to raise fuel prices at present.”
This affirmation comes in response to warnings issued by certain oil marketers, predicting a potential third increase in petrol prices since President Tinubu’s assumption of office in late May. These warnings were attributed to Nigeria’s ongoing foreign exchange challenges.
However, President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed to BBC News that both Mr. Tinubu and industry stakeholders are firmly convinced that they can uphold the current pricing structure without making any adjustments.
“Reversing our deregulation policy by swiftly cleaning up existing inefficiencies within the midstream and downstream petroleum sector”.
Similarly, Nigeria’s state oil company, NNPC, posted a statement online, explaining that “we do not have the intention to increase our pump prices as widely speculated”.
Since the government harmonised the exchange rates, the naira has continued to plunge on the foreign currency market, driving up the price of getting petroleum to customers.
Nigerians have been dealing with rising food prices and higher transportation costs due to high inflation rates since the elimination of the gasoline subsidy.
The Nigerian government has announced its plans to alleviate the impact of soaring fuel prices, resulting from the president’s decision to end the petrol subsidy.
To address the rising cost of living, the government will begin distributing grains and fertilizers from the coming week.
The increased expenses on food, transportation, and other services have raised concerns among citizens.
Moreover, the government is considering proposals to increase civil service salaries, aiming to ease the burden on public servants.
As frustrations grow over the cost of living, President Bola Tinubu, who has been in office for nearly two months, is keen on being perceived as actively addressing the crisis.
Among other measures, the administration intends to provide financial assistance to impoverished families.
However, before implementing this cash distribution program, the government aims to establish a new registry to determine the eligibility of beneficiaries.
There are also proposals to deploy electric buses and cars as well as vehicles powered by compressed natural gas to reduce the cost of transportation.
Labour unions have criticised the removal of the fuel subsidy without measures to mitigate rising prices.
Last month, the unions and the government agreed on an eight-week timeline to raise the minimum wage forgovernment workers.
On Tuesday, the Presidents of Benin, Niger, and Guinea-Bissau paid a visit to their Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu, at the Aso Rock Villa.
President Patrice Talon of Benin, Mohamed Bazoum of Niger, and Umaro Embaló of Guinea-Bissau were warmly received by Tinubu at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Shortly after, they were led by Tinubu into a private session at his office.
While the specific agenda of the meeting has not been disclosed to the public, it takes place just nine days after President Tinubu assumed the Chairmanship of the Authority of Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The leaders are expected to engage in discussions regarding security and economic development within the sub-region.
Given the recent occurrences of coups in the region, Tinubu is likely to reiterate his commitment to defending democracy in West Africa.
Guinea-Bissau survived an attempted coup in February 2022, while Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso witnessed the toppling of civilian governments between 2019 and 2022.
Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has congratulated Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima on becoming the new president and vice president of Nigeria on Instagram.
The actor while thanking the leaders for taking up such a mandate also sent prayers their way.
He also prayed to God to give them all they require to advance the nation.
He wrote: ““Congratulations to our new President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Excellency Kashim Shettima. May God give you all you need to lead our country to greater heights”.
But it appears his post did not sit well with netizens as it has attracted a series of backlashes from them.
While some have criticised him for backing the newly elected unpopular president, others have asked him to put his house in order first.
Read some of the reactions here
ebysweden: “You were supposed to run for this seat but alas, you chose toto over your fellow youths. But then again, it demonstrates to us that your political ambition is gone with a common bag of rice. It’s a good day to celebrate that you never smelt any position in government bro because even Bubu and Emilokan will do 100 times better than you. Oya go to Facebook and post more videos and earn your 100 dollars. Leave us alone on the gram”
lak.efash: “Wow, av never see dis kind of hatred to a fellow human d way am seeing in d comment section , wat right do u people av to judge peoples life d way u are doing some of u are notyn but bloody and stupid hypocrite and frustrated people a man came on his page to post a greeting to his page not una papa page and all he get is abuse frm u dirty people most of u should go check ur life before u start talking to him nawaaaa o , nigerian are so so delusional”
sirjazzy_: “igga been thinking he’s doing right but he’s ruining his carrier gradually”
ngo_chinye: “Useless.and shameless man. Pls put your house in order and leave judy Austin and go back to your family. I’m a mother and a wife and no good mother will tolerate what you are doing to your wife and kids. Think about your aged parent. Good name is better than money. Congratulating Tinubu will never make you relevant.
alhajibelievemoney: “I know you are happy now ,, you didn’t only ruin your political career you also ruin your father’s career. well respected man was now taking for granted for Everything just because of the way you behave…Omo sit well, it pays to stand for truth be wise ..”
dreco_905: “This is the first time I’ve agreed that they actually bottled your brain”
doreen.cinfy: “How is life inside bottle of Mrs obasi are you changing diapers as she dance with Sara up and down”
President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Davido’s uncle and Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke on his victory at the Supreme Court, encouraging him to swiftly unite the state and settle down to work for the advancement of the state.
Tinubu, who will be sworn in as president has encouraged all affected parties to respect the verdict of the Apex court
Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had gone to court to challenge the victory of Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but while the Tribunal sacked Adeleke, the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court affirmed the senator as the authentic winner of the July 16, 2022 poll.
In a statement by his office, the President-Elect said, “I congratulate Mr. Ademola Adeleke over his declaration by the Supreme Court as the winner of Osun Governorship election.
“The apex court in the land has spoken and all of us must obey its verdict. It is the right thing to do for democracy and the rule of law to continue to thrive in the land.
“I must also commend the immediate-past governor of the state, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for exercising his democratic rights as the constitution allows him to do.
“Governor Oyetola discharged himself creditably in office. He lost the office but did not lose his integrity and reputation as the governor who brought efficiency, transparency and accountability to the business of governance.
“Now that the matter of the July 16, 2022, Osun State Governorship Election has been brought to a close, I urge Governor Adeleke to immediately settle down to work and continue from where the former governor left it. He should now move to unite the state.
“I also urge all the people of Osun to work for peace and progress in the state.”
Habibat Oyindamola Tinubu, daughter of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has become the latest target on Nigerian social media.
A post on popular Nigerian blog, TattleRoom Tale NG, has shared photos of the president-elect’s daughter who is said to be an LGBTQ rights activist and also identifies as ‘queer’.
The timing of these posts coincides with the announcement of her father’s election as President of Nigeria.
Tinubu’s daughter, Habibat, has been trending on social media after earlier tweets capturing her activism for LGBTQ rights surfaced online.
These tweets have since caught the attention of social media users who are discussing the acceptance of queer individuals in Nigeria, a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.
One of her tweets on March 6, 2020, read, “please read this chain carefully! Black bigotry is a problem. We shouldn’t be dividing ourselves or neglecting those within our community. Trans lives matter, and black trans lives are sadly treated as most invisible.”
In response to a user’s question about whether she would marry a bisexual man, she answered, “Yes, I will marry a bisexual man.”
Habibat’s strong activism for the LGBTQ+ community has also been demonstrated in her modeling career.
In one of the instances where she announced her ‘queer status’, was on a runway where she modelled as a cat and made cat noises.
This has stirred interesting comments from netizens who have questioned whether Tinubuis indeed the right person to lead Nigeria if his daughter isn’t morally upright.
President Akufo-Addo has asked Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the recently elected president ofNigeria, to strengthen the close ties that already exist between Ghana and Nigeria.
Mr Akufo-Addo in his congratulatory message to him said it is his expectation that the President-elect would continue in the stead of past Nigerian leaders..
In a tweet on Thursday, March 2, Mr Akufo-Addo said “On behalf of the Ghanaian people and their Government, I extend warm congratulations to the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory in the Nigerian presidential election of Saturday, 25th February.
“It is my expectation that the President-elect would continue in the stead of past Nigerian leaders, and deepen even further the strong friendship that exists between Nigeria and Ghana, which has been based on a shared agenda of freedom, development, security, progress and prosperity.
“Warm congratulations, once again, to President-elect Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, and to the people of Nigeria. Best wishes for his and Nigeria’s success.”
Warm congratulations, once again, to President-elect Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, and to the people of Nigeria. Best wishes for his and Nigeria’s success.
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) March 2, 2023
Per the official results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) the Mr Tinubu polled 8,794,726 votes – 36% of votes counted.
The former Lagos Governor beat his closest rivals Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).
In his address to the nation on Wednesday, March 1, he said “…No woman, no nation, they did everything possible – creative dancing, intelligent discussions, programmes of ideologies.”
The outgoing President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari also said in a tweet on Wednesday morning, that his successor is the “best person for the job”.
The election was Africa’s largest democratic exercise. In a region that has undergone backsliding and military coups in recent years, this election demonstrates democracy’s continued relevance and capability to deliver for the people it serves.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) March 1, 2023
“I shall now work with him and his team to ensure an orderly handover of power.”
President Akufo-Addo has congratulated Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the newly elected president of Nigeria, on his victory in the just ended elections.
Bola Tinubu who was the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won the fiercely contested elections held on February 25, 2023.
“On behalf of the Ghanaian people and their Government, I extend warm congratulations to the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory in the Nigerian presidential election of Saturday, 25th February,” President Akufo-Addo posted on his social media handles.
He expressed hope that the Nigerian President-elect would deepen the strong friendship that exists between Nigeria and Ghana.
“It is my expectation that the President-elect would continue in the stead of past Nigerian leaders, and deepen even further the strong friendship that exists between Nigeria and Ghana, which has been based on a shared agenda of freedom, development, security, progress and prosperity,” he said.
Tinubu won the election ahead of other contenders — the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar; the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi; and the New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The three leading presidential candidates won in 12 states each, while Kwankwaso claimed only Kano State.
Tinubu edged Atiku, a former vice president and his closest challenger, with no fewer than 1.8 million votes.
Read below President Akufo-Addo’s full statement
On behalf of the Ghanaian people and their Government, I extend warm congratulations to the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory in the Nigerian presidential election of Saturday, 25th February.
President-elect Bola Tinubu’s victory has ensured that the ruling APC Government has been given four (4) more years to continue in office, which, I am hopeful, will go a long way to enhancing the quality of governance, the rule of law and the performance of the Nigerian economy.
The presidential candidates of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and the Labour Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively, are to be commended for their vigorous, well-fought campaigns, and I am confident that their reactions to the results of the election will reinforce the boundaries of Nigerian democracy, and consolidate the peace and stability of Nigeria, Africa’s giant.
It is my expectation that the President-elect would continue in the stead of past Nigerian leaders, and deepen even further the strong friendship that exists between Nigeria and Ghana, which has been based on a shared agenda of freedom, development, security, progress and prosperity.
Warm congratulations, once again, to President-elect Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, and to the people of Nigeria. Best wishes for his and Nigeria’s success.
Popular Ghanaian filmmaker, Prince David Osei has reacted to Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate already leading in the ongoing Nigeria election.
If Tinubu maintains the lead spot and finally retains power with the ruling party and becomes Nigeria’s next president, the actor said that the same luck will follow NPP in the next election.
The pro-NPP actor said the party will break the eight-year jinx of governance in the country since both parties have the same political fortune.
In a tweet on Tuesday, February 28, Prince Osei wrote, “Just thinking ooo , if APC retains power and Tinubu becomes President this means NPP will also retain power!! Dynamics.”
This comes at a time when provisional results announced by electoral officials in 31 of Nigeria’s 36 states and the federal capital Abuja showed Bola Tinubu, the governing party’s candidate, leading with about 35% of the valid votes counted, while Atiku of the PDP comes right behind with 29%, or nearly 6.2 million valid votes.
To the surprise of many, Peter Obi, who was tipped by experts to be a potential winner, garnered 25%, or about 5.2 million votes.
Voters in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, will head to the polls this week to select their next president amid mounting unhappiness in the country due to worsening insecurity and economic hardship. Will any of the frontrunners, most of whom have been in the political system for decades, be able to turn the country around?
Nigeria’s outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari is stepping down after nearly eight years in power amid a backdrop of chaos and widespread unrest, as many people are unable to access the cash they need to buy food because of a botched roll-out of new banknotes.
But the cash crisis is not the only problem Nigerians face, with the last year being marked by struggle and tragedy, including high inflation and deadly attacks by gunmen against innocent civilians.
Mr Buhari’s supporters say he has done his best and highlight achievements, such as his work on infrastructure projects and attempts to combat violent extremism. But even his own wife, Aisha Buhari, has apologised to the Nigerian people for falling short of their expectations.
So whoever wins the election will not have an easy job.
Who is running for president?
A total of 18 candidates are campaigning for the top job, but only three have a realistic chance of winning, according to opinion polls. Only one of the 18 is a woman.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 70, is standing for the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) party. Known as a political godfather in the south-west region, he wields huge influence but has been dogged by allegations of corruption over the years and poor health, both of which he denies. Some say his campaign slogan Emi Lokan, which means “it’s my turn [to be president]” in the Yoruba language, shows a sense of entitlement.
Atiku Abubakar, 76, is running on behalf of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He has run for the presidency five times before – all of which he has lost. Most of his career has been in the corridors of power, having worked as a top civil servant, vice-president under Olusegun Obasanjo and a prominent businessman. Just like Mr Tinubu, he has been accused of corruption and cronyism, which he denies.
Peter Obi, 61, is hoping to break up the two-party system which has dominated Nigeria since the end of military rule in 1999 and is running for the little known Labour Party. Although he was in the PDP until last year, he is seen as a relatively fresh face and enjoys fervent support on social media and among Nigeria’s youth. The wealthy businessman served as governor of the south-eastern Anambra State from 2006 to 2014. His backers, known as the “OBIdients” say he is the only candidate with integrity, but his critics argue that a vote for Obi is wasted as he is unlikely to win.
Who is likely to win?
Convention suggests a candidate from one of the two main parties will win – Mr Atiku or Mr Tinubu. But Mr Obi’s supporters are hoping he can spring a surprise if they can mobilise the large youth vote to back him.
When is the election?
It is due to take place on Saturday 25 February 2023. If there is no clear winner, a second round will be held within three weeks. There will also be elections for the country’s powerful state governors on Saturday 11 March.
The head of the election commission has dismissed suggestions that the vote could be delayed because of insecurity.
When will the election results be announced?
In the last two presidential elections the winner has been known on the third day after voting.
But votes will be counted as soon as voting ends on Saturday 25 February. Those who stay behind at their polling station will have the result announced to them, but it is a long process before all the results work their way up to Abuja from the tens of thousands of polling units across the country.
BVAS might speed up the process this year, but Inec-appointed officials will still have to travel to Abuja from the 36 states with hard copies to be read aloud.
Only then will the Inec chairman announce a winner – or that a second round is needed.
How does the election work?
In order to win, a candidate has to obtain the highest number of votes nationwide, and more than a quarter of ballots cast in at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s states.
If none of the candidates manage this, there will be a second round run-off between the top two candidates within 21 days.
What are the main issues?
Reducing insecurity is one of the key concerns of voters, in a country which is currently experiencing a kidnapping-for-ransom crisis, battling militant Islamists groups in parts of the north and a separatist insurgency in the south-east.
Two of the most shocking cases last year were a mass shooting at a Catholic Church in Owo and the storming by gunmen of a passenger train in which dozens of people were killed or kidnapped.
Image caption, Peter Obi’s supporters, who appear to be younger Nigerians, are vocal on social media
President Buhari says he has fulfilled his promise to “frontally and courageously tackle terrorism”, but many Nigerians feel the country is still not safe.
The economy is another area of concern. Inflation now stands at 21.8%, according to the latest figures released this month. This rising cost of living has left many families struggling to make ends meet, with local media describing the situation as “dire”.
Unemployment is also a major problem, leaving many graduates fearful that they may not find work even after years of university study, which has prompted many to try and leave the country. Latest figures from the country’s National Bureau of Statistics show that 33% of the population is unemployed – jumping to 42.5% for younger adults.
Despite being a major oil producer, four out of 10 Nigerians live below the poverty line and “lack education and access to basic infrastructure, such as electricity, safe drinking water, and improved sanitation,” according to the World Bank.
Many of the candidates have put these issues at the centre of their campaigns.
But these problems have been mounting for several years, leaving some Nigerians sceptical about whether whoever wins the election will actually be able to fix them. Despite the large number of registered voters – 93.5 million – concerns persist about apathy and how many people will actually show up on the day to cast their ballot.
With almost 40% of registered voters under 34, the vote has been called the “election of young people” by elections chief Mahmood Yakubu.
The All Progressives Congress’ (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is running for president, is heard on tape urging that his supporters should use all means necessary to gain power.
He said this while addressing some party members after his Chatham interview in London.
The video which has since been making rounds showed how Tinubu urged his campaign members to “fight, snatch and run away with political power“.
He said: “Political power is not going to be served in a restaurant. They don’t serve it a la carte. At all cost, fight for it, grab it and run with it.”
Tinubu’s statement brought about a loud cheer from members of the party who were present, accompanied by applause.
Sharing the video on his Twitter page, Dino Melaye, a member of the People’s Democratic Party wrote;
“How else will power be snatched through the ballot box if not a resort to violence, electoral violation, and other unorthodox methods of grabbing power? It is now very clear why Tinubu refused to sign the Peace Accord. The international community and security agencies take note.”
Reacting to Tinubu’s statement, some Nigerians have shared their thoughts on social media.
Abiodun of Lagos: Sir Dino if that is your understanding of that statement, then it is unfortunate. Meaning they say resides in man and not in words so good luck.
Emmanuel Atser: Tinubu won’t succeed, he is not God.
Tinubu bragged that he hasn’t lost the election but God is going to put him to shame.
He will lose the 2023 election and his money.
D Senator: He is not God, but what of U that said he won’t win, are U too God?
Exactly the mistake U guys are all making.
Oluwatoyin Adeyemi: You guys should open your eyes very well and match him war strength to war strength. He is aware that his deceit stopped working long ago. Imagine Tinubu choosing the next INEC chairman. Most of his opponents will just have to flee to exile. Fight to stop him. I say my own o!
Winny: Fact. BAT is everything a leader should not be
You Know Who: Political power is not something you snatch. It’s something you bargain for with the people. What happened to the government of the people, by the people and for the people?? This looks like a government for only Apc and their cohorts. Nawa ooo.
KADOZO: “At all cost,” Y’all think Atiku and BAT will allow voters to come out where PO will have more votes? Anyways, 4 newborn babies were kidnapped in a hospital in Anambra today sha in case you don’t know.
umoru I. Abdulkadir: I’m optimistic he (Tinubu Ahmed) will sign it because he’s a law-abiding citizen.
A reminder sir, prior to your dramatic video kindly note that there’s nothing like Minister of London.
Uthman Mujeeb Olalekan: Nigeria and Nigerians are in real trouble.
It is unusual for Nigerian presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu to speak directly to the media.
Aides answered all of the press questions at a recent high-profile event in London.
Perhaps frustrating for those in attendance, but even more so for Nigerians eager for answers ahead of the February election, not just on the key policy concerns of insecurity and unemployment, but also on how Mr Tinubu amassed his personal wealth.
Finally, he has broken his silence and agreed to a BBC interview.
I asked him how a Tinubu presidency would differ from the current Buhari presidency, given that they both belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr Buhari has “done his best”, says Mr Tinubu.
“I am different. I am Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I have governed Lagos. I’ve built a modern state that could be a country on its own. I have led an administration that’s so prudent.”
Despite being credited with reshaping Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, the question of his personal wealth – and the source of it – is a big point of contention for Nigerians.
If you’re visiting the wealthy suburb of Ikoyi in Lagos, you can’t fail to notice Mr Tinubu’s enormous mansion.
What’s being claimed is that he has benefitted from the state since leaving office as governor in 2007. He told me that those allegations are unproven.
“The West is yet to feel comfortable enough with a Buhari administration to sell us the arms and technology necessary. We have to look at alternatives – the mass recruitment of individuals in the volunteer army to really clean up the system.”
By that he means beefed-up military and security forces.
And if he had to choose one of the two other main candidates, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is standing for the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, popular among young Nigerians, who would it be?
He makes it plain – he feels neither are up to the job.
“They are not as competent as any other person out there. They have no track record. None of them is qualified except me.”
The final decision, of course, will be up to Nigerians.