Nigerians yesterday continued to react to President Bola Tinubu’s mid-term speech, in which the incumbent rated his administration’s performance highly.
While some, like the Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo, declared, “Tinubu’s two-year scorecard is heavily tainted by the incompetence and corruption of his appointed officials,” others, such as African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate John Chuma Nwosu, were unequivocal, saying, “Nigerians are worse off than they were two years ago. They are discontented and feel entirely disenfranchised.”
Unsurprisingly, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the administration, blaming the policy failures of past presidents.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed dissatisfaction with the two-year administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his economic policies as “fruitless”.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki yesterday, the National Deputy President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, criticised what he termed Tinubu’s “abysmal performances,” alleging that they have eroded the credibility of his government. He noted that ordinary Nigerians are struggling with the adverse effects of ineffective governance, including widespread hunger and economic hardship.
Isiguzoro attributed the President’s shortcomings to what he described as the “Yorubanisation” of his government and the incompetence of many of his ministers. He urged Tinubu to address these issues within the remaining two years of his term and reconnect with the Nigerian populace.
Despite his criticisms, Isiguzoro acknowledged the commendable contributions of Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He praised their efforts in delivering visible federal road projects and infrastructure reforms, calling them exemplary leaders who have proven their competence.
The statement noted, “The Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, feels compelled to communicate an unspeakable and uncomfortable truth to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as we reflect on the circumstances surrounding the second anniversary of his administration.”
“Nigerians are enduring untold hardships as a direct consequence of the ongoing experimental leadership failures propagated by a cadre of incompetent ministers and political appointees,” the statement continued.
Ohanaeze further called on Tinubu to abandon the “Yorubanisation” agenda, which it claimed undermines national unity. Instead, the group urged the President to adopt governance grounded in competence and merit.
“The President must summon the courage to advocate for the creation of additional states, particularly two in the South-East, as a step towards addressing historical imbalances,” the group added.
The statement also urged Tinubu to reshuffle his cabinet, dismiss ineffective ministers, and appoint more capable leaders like Umahi and Wike to restore public confidence.
“The uncomfortable truth must be conveyed unequivocally: President Tinubu’s two-year scorecard is heavily tainted by the incompetence and corruption of his appointed officials,” Ohanaeze stated.
Looking ahead, the group warned of potential political consequences should the administration fail to meet public expectations. “The Nigerian people expect transformative leadership. If this expectation continues to be unmet, the political landscape may shift dramatically by 2027. Those responsible for this administration’s failures are likely to position themselves within opposition coalitions, abandoning the President at the crucial moment,” it warned.
Ohanaeze also called for the inclusion of ethnicity and religion in the forthcoming 2025 National Census, arguing that such measures would enhance Nigeria’s electoral reforms and strengthen its democracy.
