Is Tinubu Nigeria’s saviour? Some genuinely think so!

In London, a conversation at a friend's wedding revealed a starkly divided opinion on Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. Some old friends, identifying as Yoruba, passionately defended Tinubu, calling him Nigeria's "saviour" and crediting him with "great things" and "transforming Nigeria."

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I read your newspaper column, why are you always critical of President Bola Tinubu.

These supporters, primarily from the Yoruba middle and upper classes, dismiss criticisms about poverty and insecurity. They argue that savings from fuel subsidy removal have been passed to state governments, making governors responsible for poverty alleviation. Insecurity, they claim, is the work of Tinubu's enemies, not his own failing. This perspective even echoes religious leaders who suggest Tinubu has "done his bit" by issuing instructions, shifting accountability away from the presidency.

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great things

The author contrasts this with the Yoruba elite's past treatment of non-Yoruba presidents. He notes that under Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, the Yoruba were highly critical, their skepticism often turning to cynicism. However, under Tinubu, a fellow Yoruba, this skepticism has vanished, replaced by unwavering defense and excuses. The article suggests this "Yoruba-Tinubu kumbaya" is a significant factor in the current political discourse, questioning if such leniency would be afforded to a leader from a different ethnic group.

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really transforming Nigeria