Dear President Bola Tinubu, As a Psychologist I See This: Political Tension Is Weakening the Naira and Wounding the Nation – Please, Take This Advice Before It’s Too Late -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

Nigeria is not just dealing with a currency crisis. It is navigating the emotional consequences of instability, the erosion of legal safeguards, and the heavy mental toll of uncertainty. The dramatic fall of the Naira and the illegal political maneuvers occurring simultaneously are not independent events—they are deeply connected symptoms of a weakened national system, both in structure and spirit.

As a psychologist of Nigerian birth practicing in the United States, I see more than political discord or economic trends—I see a society bearing the weight of unmanaged trauma. The Naira’s fall is both symbolic and practical. It represents loss of control, loss of stability, and the disintegration of everyday peace for millions of Nigerians.

The Naira’s Unrelenting Decline and Emotional Toll

According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Naira recorded a steep loss of ₦18.96 within a single week, falling from ₦1,517.93 per dollar on March 14 to ₦1,536.89 on March 21, 2025. Even in the black market, often seen as a more reactive metric, the Naira gained ₦10, moving from ₦1,590 to ₦1,580. These opposing trends tell a deeper story—one of volatility, fragmentation, and the absence of coherent fiscal direction.

For the average Nigerian, this is not just a technical problem—it is personal. Every drop in the Naira equates to greater hardship. Food becomes more expensive. Transportation is harder to afford. Medicine disappears from shelves or is priced beyond reach. Rent swallows entire salaries. School fees become unattainable. Behind these numbers are human beings facing impossible choices—between health and hunger, between staying in the country or fleeing it emotionally or physically.

Economic Trauma as Collective Breakdown

The Naira’s weakness is now inflicting widespread psychological stress. When currency fails, people no longer trust in long-term planning. The future becomes a frightening concept. Youths give up dreams of schooling or building businesses. Workers lose hope for retirement. Families fall apart under pressure. This is not just about inflation—it is the emotional collapse of society.

This form of trauma, often termed economic PTSD, is real. Chronic financial instability breeds anxiety, depression, substance misuse, domestic violence, and even suicide. Sadly, in a country where mental health is still stigmatized or under-resourced, millions suffer silently, misdiagnosed, or untreated.

Rivers State Crisis and the Message of Powerlessness

The political destabilization in Rivers State—marked by the abrupt suspension of the governor, deputy, and lawmakers following President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency—has further corroded public trust. Nigerians are watching a system where elected voices are erased, and power is manipulated without accountability. The conflict between Governor Sim Fubara and Minister Nyesom Wike, left unresolved and even fueled by federal silence, represents a deeper institutional betrayal.

When democracy becomes selective, when constitutional authority is overridden by political convenience, and when the National Assembly rubber-stamps decisions without scrutiny, Nigerians lose more than rights—they lose emotional security. Trust in governance is vital for national coherence. Without it, chaos is not just possible—it becomes inevitable.

President Tinubu, Talk to Yourself

President Tinubu, I am not asking you to fire your Chief of Staff, your senior advisors, or to bring in a fresh cabinet overnight. That is not my focus. I am saying this to you not as a politician, but as a psychologist observing a nation in pain—talk to yourself. Sit with yourself in quiet reflection. In these past four weeks, amid the wounds of Rivers State and the growing tension across Nigeria, ask yourself: how much healing has your inner circle helped to deliver? How much peace have their strategies brought to the people? Mr. President, all is not well. The nation is bleeding. The Naira is falling. Hope is thinning. And Nigerians are watching—waiting not for another press release, but for a response from you. Not through handlers. Not through staged appearances. But from the man who holds the title Commander-in-Chief. Please, speak directly to the people. Break the silence. Break the cycle. Talk to yourself—and then talk to your country. It is not too late.

When Loyalty Becomes Liability: Is It Time to Rethink Certain Alliances?

In the world of politics, loyalty is often rewarded. And rightly so—those who help build the foundation of a victory naturally expect a place at the table. But at what point does that loyalty begin to cast a shadow over leadership itself?

There is no doubt that certain figures were instrumental in past political wins. Their energy, strategy, and influence helped tip the scales in key regions. But times change, and the needs of leadership evolve. When the presence of such individuals begins to stir more unrest than unity—when the public mood shifts, and the streets grow colder—shouldn’t that be cause for pause?

One name continues to hover at the center of public frustration: Minister Nyesom Wike. Yes, he played a pivotal role in political mobilization in Rivers State. But is it still working in favor of the administration, or has that alliance become a source of national discomfort?

The growing public discontent is not subtle. Conversations online, murmurs in civil circles, voices within the system—they all seem to echo the same sentiment: “This is no longer helping.”

Could it be that a brief suspension—even symbolic—might send a message that leadership is listening? Might that gesture demonstrate that no one is above accountability, not even those once crucial to the throne?

This is not about disowning loyalty. It is about recognizing when that loyalty begins to compromise public trust.

One might ask:

Has the continued visibility of this figure become a burden more than a benefit?

Is the cost of keeping certain alliances now outweighing their original value?

Could decisive, even momentary, distance restore confidence among those who feel unheard?

Nigeria’s people are watching closely—not just what is being done, but who continues to stand at the center of it.

And while loyalty may win elections, credibility sustains governance.

A Silent Signal from the Youth

President Tinubu, you once said you don’t listen to social media—and yes, perhaps that helps reduce pressure. But sir, I ask you to take a deeper look: even children now mock and laugh at your leadership. They may be young, but they are not blind to the pain around them. The Naira’s collapse, rising tension, perceived favoritism—these things affect them too. Their voices online are not rooted in hatred; they are cries for help, for answers, for dignity. Their words may be rough, but they are not trying to disrespect you. They are simply reacting to a world that no longer feels safe or fair. Be careful, sir—when citizens, especially youth, feel unheard for too long, sudden psychological or even physical health breakdowns can emerge or deepen across the population. And this includes you, Mr. President. Even you are not immune to the silent toll of pressure, isolation, and emotional weight that can accumulate when unrest lingers. As a psychologist, I urge you: don’t just care for the country—care for yourself, too.

Instability as a Trigger for Naira Fragility

As long as instability reigns—political, legal, and psychological—the Naira will remain fragile. Investors are not blind. They watch the illegal suspension of officials, the mishandling of crises, and the pliant legislature with deep concern. Every signal of dysfunction triggers reactions: they hold back capital, cancel plans, or pull out entirely.

Capital flight increases. Foreign reserves deplete. The cost of importing essentials such as machinery, fuel, and medication skyrockets. Local production slows down because manufacturers cannot predict raw material costs or access forex for imports. As production dwindles, jobs are lost, supply chains collapse, and poverty deepens.

This is where the psychological and economic meet. Each layer of instability compounds the next. Emotional instability causes poor decision-making. Poor decisions cause deeper economic distress. Economic distress breeds further unrest, creating a dangerous feedback loop that keeps the Naira—and the nation—on the edge.

Investors don’t just look at currency figures. They look at leadership behavior. They read public mood. They measure the predictability of governance and the consistency of policy. At the moment, all these indicators tell them that Nigeria is a high-risk environment. And so, they leave.

The Corporate Sector Under Pressure

Industries that once served as economic engines are now struggling to survive. MTN Group, a leading telecom operator in Nigeria, recently reported a major decline in profits directly tied to Naira depreciation. This affects job creation, digital infrastructure, and national connectivity. If major players are hurting, smaller businesses are collapsing in silence.

This scenario is not sustainable. A nation cannot function when its private sector is squeezed by uncertainty, its people choked by inflation, and its youth discouraged by systemic instability. The fall of the Naira is not just about money—it is about the death of belief in progress.

A Rescue Plan for the Currency and the Citizenry

Rebuild Legal and Political Integrity:

Reinstating suspended officials in Rivers State and restoring constitutional order will send a powerful message: that law, not personal alliances, governs Nigeria.

Restore Economic Clarity:

The Central Bank must publish a coherent monetary policy framework. Forex access must be stabilized. Imports prioritized. Price controls introduced where appropriate. Fiscal literacy programs must reach the grassroots to empower people with knowledge amidst confusion.

Recognize and Address Emotional Fallout:

A national mental health initiative is no longer optional—it is urgent. The government must invest in psychoeducational campaigns, therapy access, and community-based mental health support. The emotional well-being of the population must become a national priority.

Attract and Retain Investors Through Stability:

Legal reforms, anti-corruption measures, and public transparency can slowly rebuild investor confidence. But this will require sincerity, not speeches. Investors return when trust returns.

In Conclusion: A Nation’s Currency, A Nation’s Soul

The Naira, once a symbol of independence and promise, is now a mirror of national dysfunction. Every drop in its value is a drop in the people’s confidence—in their economy, their leadership, and their future. And while numbers may recover with time, rebuilding the psychological damage takes longer.

Nigeria must now decide what kind of country it wants to be. One where leaders protect institutions and uplift people—or one where power is used to dominate, destabilize, and divide.

The fall of the Naira is not just a matter of finance—it is a measure of the country’s moral and emotional direction. To fix the currency, we must first fix the country.

Oshodi Open Door Public Training (OOPDT), also known as Oshodi Open Door, is a public awareness initiative dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in Africa. Through educational articles and resources, OOPDT fosters informed discourse on governance, institutional reform, and psychological well-being. It also provides specialized Timely Response Solutions (TRS) training at minimal or no cost, ensuring swift and effective interventions for critical institutional and societal challenges. For more information, contact: jos5930458@aol.com.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi is an American psychologist, educator, and author specializing in forensic and clinical psychology, cross-cultural psychology, police and prison sciences, and community justice. Born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, he is the son of a 37-year veteran of the Nigeria Police Force, a background that shaped his lifelong commitment to justice, security, and psychological research.

As a pioneer in forensic psychology, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology to Nigeria in 2011 through the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Nasarawa State University, where he served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology. His contributions extend beyond academia into mental health, institutional reform, and behavioral change initiatives through the Oshodi Foundation and the Center for Psychological and Forensic Services.

Professor Oshodi has held faculty positions at Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Broward College—where he also served as Interim Associate Dean and Assistant Professor—Nova Southeastern University, and Lynn University. He is a contributing faculty member at Walden University and a virtual professor with Weldios University and Iscom University.

Beyond academia, he is a government consultant for forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA, providing expertise in mental health, behavioral assessment, and institutional analysis. A prolific writer, he has published extensively on mental health, forensic psychology, justice, and institutional reform. He is the founder of the Psychoafricalysis theory, integrating African sociocultural perspectives into psychology.

A proud Black Republican, Professor Oshodi is guided by principles of individual empowerment, responsibility, and ethical leadership. His psychological approach emphasizes self-determination, cognitive resilience, and structured institutions in fostering societal well-being. He believes strong communities thrive when individuals are given the tools to build their own success, with policies that encourage self-sufficiency rather than dependency. With a perspective shaped by both African and global experiences, he is committed to promoting clean, ethical, and functional institutions as well as strong, democratic governance in Africa. His work remains focused on psychology, governance, and institutional reform, aligning with values of discipline, opportunity, and personal agency in building just and sustainable societies.