•Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu’s fast emerging tendency to exaggerate his achievements in office has alarmed not a few Nigerians who are now wondering if this flaw is an act of hubris.
Well-meaning Nigerians who spoke on this disturbing trend with our correspondent at the weekend said frequent false claims from the Presidency might dilute whatever credibility the federal government still had, reports Sunday Independent.
They were responding to two major dubious claims by President Tinubu within two weeks – one in faraway Brazil, where he boasted that his government had eradicated corruption in Nigeria, a claim which most Nigerians found outrageous.
The president also, on Monday, declared that his government was resolute in pursuing inclusive growth across all regions, stressing that “no Nigerian is second-class” in the eyes of his government.
According a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, his media aide, the president emphasised that the oath of office he took was the compass that guides his administration’s policies and projects.
Considering the president’s record of anti-corruption actions, Chief Martin Onovo, a 2015 presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP), said the declaration was very disgraceful.
Onovo, who is currently, Head, Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), stated: “Jagaban Tinubu will take the senseless and false propaganda of his ad hoc regime to this imbecilic level.”
According to Onovo, “Tinubu was recently ranked internationally as one of the most corrupt rulers in the whole world.
“The Brazilians know that. The Brazilians also know how Nigeria is ranked in Transparency International’s ‘Corruption Perception Index’.
“Maybe because of Jagaban Tinubu’s age and lack of basic education, he is unaware that a simple AI search by any Brazilian will show that corruption is endemic in Nigeria.
“That will expose his statement as deceitful, ignorant and corrupt. Jagaban Tinubu’s false statements have brought Nigeria and Nigerians disgrace, ridicule and contempt.”
Barrister Emeka Iheonu, a Lagos lawyer, stated: “The president’s statement is not true. Corruption has become endemic and a pandemic in Nigeria.
“The statement is quite laughable and the Brazilian officials will never believe that statement.
“Nigeria continues to rank among the most corrupt countries in the world. Even the style of governance within the Federal and State Executives, National and State Legislature reeks of corruption.
“Non accountable security allowances to governors and constituency allowances to National and State Legislators are corrupt practices which are on-going despite the cries against them by the suffering masses.
“Corruption in Nigeria stems from structural issues like weak institutions and poor enforcement of laws, combined with societal factors such as tribalism, greed, and ostentatious lifestyles, and the historical legacy of oil wealth.
“Even the Judiciary is not exempted as some Judges have given outrageous judgments to thwart justice and many corrupt cases before the courts have been swept under the carpet and thrown into oblivion.
“Anti-corruption agencies established by the federal government have engaged in selective investigations and prosecutions.”
Baba Aye, a veteran activist and a Co-Convener, Coalition For Revolution (CORE), said: “I laughed like many other Nigerians when I got that news, even though I understood what he was saying, which we must also look at.
“Why it is funny is because we see corruption increasing without consequences. Two ministers of the president at different times responsible for humanitarian services were involved in the disappearance of billions of naira.
“Humongous amounts of money enter legislators’ pockets ‘as prayers’, to borrow from the senate president. We could go on and on.
“But, what he was saying was that blockades of corrupt practices by public figures which foreign capital used to have to navigate are being dismantled.”
Hon. John Okoro Kome, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, described President Tinubu’s declaration as disgraceful and irresponsible.
Dr. Kome, the party’s candidate for the Ikeja Constituency 1, Lagos State House of Assembly, said that it is said that a leopard cannot change its spot.
According to him, “This phrase seems to be the remarks in the tongues of several Nigerians concerning the response of Nigeria’s leader in Brazil.
“I would not know what exactly prompted our president to assert that Nigerians are enjoying back home in Nigeria.
“But, I would like to remind our president that the world has become a global community where claims could be verified within minutes and hours.
GAMBLING WITH CREDIBILITY
“His integrity and honour could be jeopardised should international media organisations carry out independent investigation concerning the veracity of Mr. President’s claim.
“Again, President Tinubu’s declaration that there is no more corruption in Nigeria leaves much to be desired in the face of global assertions a few weeks ago from the US that certain Nigerian governors had been acquiring Real Estate properties overseas.
“It would be on record for everyone to see if Mr President’s declaration of Nigeria as corrupt-free is sustained for just a month from now.”
Dr RexKennedy Saltlove, a human rights activist and cleric, stated: “Lying itself is corruption. And that is what the president just did with such statement.”
Dr Saltlove, President/Executive Director, President/Executive Director, Citizens Rights and Empowerment Advocacy Initiative (CREMA Initiative), stated: “There is an expression that goes thus: ‘Tell it to the Marines’. There is also what is known as ‘Cock and bull story’, which was what President Tinubu was telling the foreigners to woo and attract investors or tourists to the country.
“In an internet superhighway information age, where people can get information at their fingertips, why should a president lie that there is no corruption in Nigeria?
“What implications that will have on Nigerian citizens who travel out of this country cannot be imagined or felt now, until one makes a video, podcast, Tweet or a post of a ‘Lying President’.”
He added: “That statement by the president, for good psychology students, is a mirror image he knows people have of Nigeria.
“And the best way to have addressed it was to be honest and build trust, and not to deny it.”
Dr Victor Mathew, former Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ikeja branch, said it was very ludicrous that the Nigerian president could make such a statement on corruption.
Dr Mathew, the Executive Director, Kingdom Advocacy Network (KAN) and pioneer, State Secretary, Directorate of Politics and Governance (DPG), the political arm of Lagos State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), stated: “The corruption index is still very high and nothing suggest it is going to get better.
“To be very candid, corruption is gaining ascendancy under this administration. The Judiciary has been so corrupted that it is now beyond redemption.
“The Judiciary so far, has not clothed themselves in glory because of very questionable judgments emanating from the courts.
“Tinubu’s government has not demonstrated any willingness to deal with corruption because they lack the moral disposition, judging especially from their antecedents.”
Hon. Charles Anike, National President, Eastern Union (EU), a socio-political pressure group for the people of Old Eastern Nigeria, stated: “President Tinubu would not have said anything different, because he is currently the head and leader of the corrupt team in the country.
“So, we know and even the people he spoke to knew he was saying the opposite. I can tell you for free that President Tinubu was just playing with words and his host knew.
“The major problem with most of our leaders in Nigeria is ignorance. Yes, ignorance of the obvious fact that the foreigners and of course the international community are very much aware of everything going on in Nigeria.
“If you tell them that Nigeria is now a safe haven and that insecurity is now a thing of the past, then that means you have forgotten that every nation of the world has its citizens living here in Nigeria, who would always present the real fact and honest situation to their government.”
He added: “He forgot that those people are not like us, because they must always carry out a background check and do due diligence before embarking on any adventure.
“President Tinubu should not waste his time and Nigerian resources going about telling ‘international lies’ to convince investors to come to invest in Nigeria.”
Utase Joseph Utase, an education consultant, stated: “President Bola Tinubu’s declaration in Brazil that there is no more corruption in Nigeria appears overly optimistic and detached from reality.
“While his statement may be aimed at projecting a positive image of Nigeria to the international community, it risks downplaying the very real and ongoing challenges of corruption that still exist in various sectors.
“From public service delivery to governance and security institutions, cases of mismanagement, bribery, and abuse of office continue to surface.
“Declaring corruption completely eradicated may undermine citizens’ trust, as it contrasts with daily experiences.
“A more balanced approach would acknowledge progress while admitting existing gaps.”
FAIRY TALE OF FAIRNESS
Concerning President Tinubu’s claim of being fair to all Nigerians, Dr Victor Mathew, a cleric and former Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ikeja chapter, is among the several Nigerians who have questioned that claim.
Dr. Mathew, the pioneer Secretary of the Directorate of Politics and Governance (DPG), the political arm of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Lagos, said he did not think the President has been fair to most regions across the nation.
Mathew, the Executive Director, Kingdom Advocacy Network (KAN), and security expert, stated: “I don’t think the president has been fair to most regions across the nation.
“This unfairness is why there have been agitations, especially from the North and South-East. Nepotism has been elevated to a state policy, especially in political appointments.
“In what many people have termed ‘Yorubanisation’ of the government, Tinubu has shattered the record set by Buhari in exhibiting nepotistic tendencies and disposition, which is not ideal for a pluralistic society like Nigeria.
“I am shocked by the president’s actions so far, because, before now he had exhibited a more embracing attitude across many divides.
“So, for him to shrink himself to an ethnic champion is very disappointing. This unfairness, if not addressed, will definitely work against him in 2027.”
John Ebhomien, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the question of whether the Federal Government is truly fair to all Nigerians has sparked intense debate and concern.
Ebhomien, an economist and financial expert, maintained that the appointment of political positions, allegedly favouring certain sections of the country, has raised eyebrows.
Ebhomien, former Consultant to the United Nations Office on Project Services as well as former World Bank/ International Monetary Fund (IMF) economist and financial management expert, stated: “The volatile economic situation, marked by high inflation, interest rates, and foreign exchange rates, has further fueled the agitation.
“The persistent attacks and destruction of properties by bandits, herdsmen, Boko Haram, and terrorists have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
“It is imperative that the government at all levels prioritise the safety of lives and properties, which is its primary responsibility.
“The marginalisation and humiliation of South Eastern Nigeria need urgent attention, and the incessant killings in Benue, Plateau, Edo, and other states require precise and effective solutions.
“These problems demand aggressive and proactive measures.
“We call on the military, police, DSS, and other security agencies to take decisive action to nip these nefarious activities in the bud.
“It is time for the government to demonstrate its commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring a safe and secure environment and fairness for all.”
Bishop Herbert Ekechukwu, also an economist and public affairs commentator, stated: “The government of President Bola Tinubu has claimed to be fair to all sections of Nigeria.
“It is only a fool that doubts proofs. Statistics do not lie. Let us look at facts on the ground, project distribution, according to the various geopolitical zones.
“North West, N5.97 trillion (over 40%); South South, N2.41 trillion; North Central, N1.13 trillion; South West, N604 billion (excluding Lagos); South East, N407 billion; North East, N403 billions.
“Infrastructural development: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road; Sokoto/Gusau/ Funtua/ Zaria road.
“None of these road projects was sited in the South-East.”
However, Julius Adegunna, a media executive, said: “I think President Tinubu is doing his best for Nigeria and Nigerians.
“In my personal understanding, observation and assessment, hatred aside, President Tinubu ranks as one of the serious leaders Nigeria has had.
“He may have been accused of tilting some of his measures towards his Yoruba people, he is not doing badly for other groups.”
