Beyond The Negative: Why We Should Also Recognise The Positive Side Of Tinubu’s Administration -By Agmada Zakaria

It is often said that bad news travels faster than good news. In today’s society, people tend to pay greater attention to negative developments, failures and controversies than to policies or initiatives that may be producing positive results. This is particularly evident in the way some Nigerians discuss the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Criticism is an essential part of democracy, and citizens have every right to question government policies and demand accountability. However, in my opinion, criticism should not prevent us from acknowledging positive developments where they exist.

As a young Nigerian, I consider President Bola Ahmed Tinubu one of the most politically experienced presidents of my time. His administration has introduced several policies that have generated debate across the country, but I believe some of these policies and initiatives deserve recognition alongside the criticisms.

One of the most controversial decisions of the administration has been the removal of fuel subsidy. The policy has undoubtedly placed economic pressure on many Nigerians, particularly because of the increase in the cost of transportation and other essential commodities. However, while discussing the challenges associated with subsidy removal, it is equally important to examine some of the measures introduced by the government to cushion its effects.

One example that particularly caught my attention is the distribution of palliatives. A friend of mine who worked with Pardee Foods Nigeria Limited in Sango, Ogun State, was among those who benefited from such intervention through his workplace. His experience gave me a different perspective on government palliative programmes. He was not a federal, state or local government employee, yet the intervention reached him through his workplace as a citizen.

For me, this demonstrates that government interventions can reach people beyond the traditional public sector workforce when properly implemented. It also shows the importance of strengthening such programmes so that assistance reaches those who genuinely need it.

Another initiative that deserves attention is the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The introduction of student loans has provided financial assistance to many students who might otherwise struggle to meet the cost of their education. Students of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi State, have also been beneficiaries of the programme.

As a student, I understand how financial difficulties can affect academic concentration. When a student is worried about school fees and other educational expenses, it can become difficult to focus fully on learning. Therefore, any policy capable of reducing such burdens deserves to be discussed alongside the challenges confronting the education sector.
National development, in my understanding, is ultimately about improving the quality of life of citizens. Development does not have only one definition or one form. One government may focus on providing clean water, another may invest in agricultural machinery, while another may concentrate on roads, education or social intervention programmes. What matters is whether such interventions genuinely improve people’s lives.

I believe the Tinubu administration’s emphasis on infrastructure, including road projects, should also be part of the national conversation. While Nigerians should continue to demand transparency, value for money and quality execution, infrastructure development remains an important component of national development.

However, recognising these efforts does not mean ignoring the difficulties Nigerians are experiencing. The rising cost of living, inflation, unemployment, insecurity and the hardship associated with economic reforms remain serious concerns. Government must continue to listen to citizens and improve its policies. Nigerians should also continue to demand accountability and responsible governance.

My position is not based on membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), or any other political party. I am not writing as a politician or a party spokesperson. I am writing as a Nigerian who believes that national issues should be examined beyond political affiliations.

We should learn to separate politics from patriotism. A government policy should not automatically be considered good simply because it comes from the party we support, nor should every government achievement be dismissed simply because we oppose the party in power.

Political parties will come and go, but Nigeria will remain ours.

Therefore, rather than looking only at the negative aspects of the present administration, I believe Nigerians should also recognise policies and programmes that have the potential to contribute to national development. At the same time, those positive developments must be subjected to public scrutiny to ensure that they achieve their intended purposes.

I acknowledge that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is not perfect, just as no government anywhere in the world is perfect. Governance is a continuous process, and nations develop gradually through different stages. What Nigeria needs is constructive criticism, responsible leadership and citizens who are willing to acknowledge both achievements and shortcomings.
I choose to discuss the positive side of the present administration not because I am a politician or a party supporter, but because I believe fairness requires us to recognise good efforts when we see them.

We should look beyond political parties and pay attention to the individuals, their character, competence, policies and commitment to the people they represent. Political loyalty should never prevent us from appreciating genuine progress, just as political opposition should never prevent us from demanding accountability.

Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we all have a responsibility to contribute to its progress.
If we genuinely want a better Nigeria, we must learn not only to criticise what is wrong but also to acknowledge, encourage and demand the improvement of what is working.

God bless Nigeria.

Agmada Zakaria
Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi state.