Chief Edwin Clark, elder statesman and leader of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), refrained from assessing President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing the numerous challenges inherited from the previous government. Clark, 97, described Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure as the worst in Nigeria’s history.
In an interview with Saturday Sun in Abuja, Clark stated, “I think one year is too early to comment. Tinubu inherited the worst government in Nigeria. I told him during the June 12 event that there’s nothing to celebrate. Buhari’s administration produced nothing of value.” Clark highlighted that while Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy was a bold move, it required better foresight and preparation. He recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan had also attempted subsidy removal but reconsidered due to public backlash.
“One would expect Tinubu, with his experience as a governor and senator, to anticipate the consequences of such actions. He should have prepared countermeasures like providing buses and other necessary amenities immediately after the announcement,” Clark remarked. According to Clark, it would be challenging for Tinubu to correct the numerous mistakes of the Buhari administration, emphasizing that the new president has much work ahead. Therefore, Clark believes it is premature to assess Tinubu’s performance after just one year.
According to The Sun reports, Clark said, "He (Tinubu) should have asked himself, if I remove the oil subsidy, what will happen? Will it affect the living standards of the people or not? If he did that homework, he could have prepared, like buying buses, providing every other thing. Immediately the announcement is made, they step in to correct whatever consequences that follow".