Nigeria has historically struggled with effective leadership at the center. Unfortunately, the power vested in the presidency by the 1999 constitution is enormous and intimidating.
As one of the most powerful positions in the world, the President of Nigeria has significant influence and control over the lives of over 250 million people. Consequently, the president requires exceptional wisdom and support to govern effectively and inevitably will make mistakes.
Recently, Nigerians have been experiencing unprecedented hardship in their daily lives, affecting both the rich and the poor. This situation is not new but a result of years of irresponsible leadership by both military and political regimes.
The last administration of General Muhammadu Buhari exacerbated the situation with its directionless and corrupt governance, leaving a challenging legacy for the current Tinubu administration.
Tinubu campaigned for the presidency knowing the state of the nation, and now he has no excuse. His ambition to become president may have clouded his judgment, but he is now tasked with addressing the country’s issues. His administration has proposed various solutions, some of which are misguided or unnecessary, while others are temporary or long-term.
In this critical time, the best course of action is for everyone to collaborate and support the government in finding viable solutions.
However, certain journalists, particularly in the electronic media, have adopted a counterproductive stance. Ruben Abati and his co-presenter Rufai Oseni, for example, have been relentlessly criticizing government policies, inciting public unrest, and even suggesting emulation of the Kenya protests. Their behavior is unpatriotic and harmful to the nation. The arrogance in their presentations is evident and does not contribute constructively to the public discourse.
Ruben Abati’s past political ambitions, such as his attempt to become the governor of Ogun State as a running mate to the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, should remind him of the complexities of governance. Their current role should focus on highlighting government missteps and proposing alternative solutions, especially since their platform is seen as opposition-aligned.
Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo once said that opposition and condemnation of government policies without proposing alternatives work against the country and its people.
It is essential for our TV channels to maintain decorum. Abati, having served in the government of Goodluck Jonathan, should be particularly mindful of this responsibility. Criticism should be constructive and aimed at improving the nation, not inciting public unrest.
