Tinubu Media Chat: Is It Democracy Or Dictatorship?, by Sale Rusulana Yanguruza

The recent media chat of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held at Ikoyi in Lagos State with journalists from different media outlets, has come as a shock and surprise to citizens. It has prompted multiple rhetorical questions about whether the administration is truly a democratic system of government or  dictatorship?.

The two phrases Tinubu uttered in his media chat that have left me wondering are: “I have no regret on the removal of the fuel subsidy” and “No going back on tax reform.” Undoubtedly, these statements have shocked Nigerian citizens.

To determine what to call the Tinubu-led administration, it’s essential to examine the statements he made objectively, as this is the watchword of every individual in the journalism profession. Let’s start with the assertion of “no going back” on the removal of fuel subsidy. Amidst the myriad challenges facing the country, the president has acknowledged that this policy has significantly impacted the lives of individuals across the nation.

The ensuing hardship has triggered widespread protests, with citizens expressing their discontent. In response, the president has urged citizens to desist from massive protests, granting the government more time and space to implement the policy, with the hope that it will yield positive outcomes.

However, as the president approaches two years in office, concerns persist regarding the fulfillment of his  promises. Unfortunately, President Tinubu’s media chat didn’t quite meet the expectations of Nigerian citizens. Instead of providing a detailed account of how the resources saved from the removal of fuel subsidy would be utilize for human development and enhancing citizens lives, the president words seemed to have triggered more concern among the populace.

Many citizens had hoped that the president would reassure citizens by outlines specific areas and projects executed from the money  saved from  fuel subsidy for the development of the nation in areas  of education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, uttering the phrase without providing clear explanations to citizens makes them question whether the policy truly has a significant positive impact on their lives or not ?

This lack of clarity will inevitably continue and lead citizens to wonder if the policy is genuinely in the national interest, as the president claims. I wonder and am surprised that even when the president was asked about various areas, particularly fuel subsidy, tax reform, and corruption, he couldn’t provide concrete explanations and answers to the questions, which fell short of the citizens expectations.

In fact, during the media chat, the president seemed to demonstrate his power, conveying that, as president, he wouldn’t listen to anybody and that his policies would convince the citizens, rather than allowing them to express their views.

I completely agree with the president notion that a good leader should have the ability to take action when necessary. However, it’s equally important for the president to remember that listening is a crucial aspect of leadership, especially in a democratic system of government.

As Peter Drucker once said, “Leadership is not about having the answers; it’s about asking the right questions and listening to the responses.” This quote highlights the importance of leaders being open to feedback and willing to listen to others. Similarly, John Maxwell emphasized that “effective leaders listen before they speak. They ask questions, seek feedback, and encourage open communication.”Why, then, does the president seem to be choosing to lead without listening? 

Secondly, is the issue of tax reform here to stay! The President statement during the media chat shows the tyrannical nature of his administration.Evident of my statement is what the president said during the media chat: “I’m convinced, and you should also be convinced.” The president further stated that his policies were excellent during the chat, prompting a female journalist to ask why he was grading his own performance, rather than letting Nigerians be the judges of that.

Though ,president Tinubu had planned the tax reform and presented the bills to the National Assembly to study carefully, as representatives of the citizens, so that democracy would work. However, the president media chat showed that he wants to force the implementation of the bill.Why the  president choose to be hurry in the process ? juts like Senator Ali Ndume mentioned that the biggest suspicious about this tax reform is the way the wanted the process to be done  Short time.

Why is the president insisting on something he presented to the National Assembly? As a democratic leader, he should allow citizens to decide whether the tax reform is here to stay or not through their representatives in the Upper and Lower Chambers.

If the president is truly committed to national development through the tax reform, then why shouldn’t  allow the National Assembly to exercise their right without comment, since the matter is still in their hands?

Sale Rusulana Yanguruza