According to daily trust, the undermining of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) began well before his presidency. He is perhaps the first Nigerian politician to face severe attacks, even from within his own party. Consequently, he has had to depend on those who neither supported nor wanted him in office, contributing significantly to the current hardships. However, there is both good and bad news. The good news is that the masses, who are his true supporters, still have faith in him. They are numerous and hopeful. The bad news is that a small group of powerful saboteurs, who control national resources as their own, pose significant challenges.
Historically, oil wells were owned by the Nigerian government, but corruption has transferred many into private hands. How can former civil servants possess multi-billion-dollar oil wells? These individuals, aligned with International Oil Companies (IOCs) that exploit Nigerians, have long hindered the nation’s progress. Nigeria's prosperity remains elusive due to these perpetuators of backwardness.
Nigeria's economy revolves around oil and its derivatives. Price hikes in oil lead to increased costs of goods and services. These saboteurs have caused numerous problems in the oil and gas sector, thriving on public suffering. They have even begun to sabotage the Dangote refinery. Ensuring local crude supply to this refinery and enabling oil marketers to source refined products locally would ease pressure on the Naira, halve petroleum product prices, and improve living conditions. This outcome is exactly what the saboteurs wish to prevent.
Corruption allows IOCs to dominate Nigeria, behaving as benefactors rather than guests. Only in Nigeria do guests dictate terms to their hosts. President Tinubu must take decisive action, resist increasing the pump price of PMS, and hold Customs accountable for preventing smuggling. Non-performing ministers should be replaced. Tinubu must maintain his reputation for merit-based appointments, a hallmark of his tenure as Lagos State Governor, to prevent brain drain.
Nigerians must become more involved in issues that affect them. Rights are seldom granted without demand, even from our parents. This struggle transcends party, ethnicity, and religion; it is about survival. Let us unite, as hardship spares no one, regardless of ethnicity, party affiliation, or religion. May God bring relief to our nation.
Ayoade Davidson Ojeniyi FCA, social critic and commentator