I am one that has seriously walked shy of publishing any article that is detrimental to the image of Nigeria in this newspaper. This is because some of us desperately believe that the nation is salvagable and therefore diligently continue to sell the image of a rebranded and worthy Nigeria to the investment community of the larger world. However, it is obvious that some of us have reached the end of our patroitic tether. While some of are studiously pulling to drag Nigeria out of the economic quagmire which it has found itself, some others, especially those in leadership are doing their best or worst to drag her deeper into the mess.
One would therefore sadly admit that these are deeply troubling times and disturbing developments from Nigeria.
The world watched with shock a video clip where the two sons of Mr President were ranked in order of protocol, ahead of Ministers and Government officials, during the State visit to Qatar.
Both Seyi and Yinka were the first to be introduced to Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamid, even ahead of the Minister of foreign affairs.
To think that the rational authorities of Qatar had envisaged this likely rascality from the government and presidency of Nigeria and had earlier refused and rejected this visit. Obviously after some diplomatic wranggling, kowtowing and compromises they had reluctantly permitted this visit. Now look at the outcome. A very organised, protocol respecting, extremely wealthy and proud kingdom is now being associated with the irresponsibities of a brigand visitor. Talk about the result of the eagle dancing with the vulture.
I know many imbecilic Nigerians will defend this indefensible overt purposely exhibitted diplomic misbehaviour, but it will not stop some of us from speaking out. When Tinubu was sworn in as President on May 29, 2023, I said Paul Biya has arrived in Nigeria. I was mistaken. It was Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo that arrived in Nigeria on May 29, 2023. (Both Eyadema and his son ruled Togo for 48 years). Again, many Nigerians will say Nigeria is not Togo. I advise you to focus on the disturbing signs and red flags. I am seriously disturbed because the subject matter is not just about Nepotism. It has to do with the structural fabric and foundation of Nigeria. If these acts of nepotism by Tinubu continues unchecked, it has the potential to fragment Nigeria or lead Nigeria to another civil war – Olufemi Adegbulugbe
Tinubu appointed his son-in-law as DG, FHA. He appointed his brother as a Minister, his son attended FEC meeting before he was stopped, his son turned a presidential jet to Air-Uber and now, 2 sons practically led the Government delegation to Qatar. Now we hear of the offices and titles of first lady, first son, first daughter and such absurd nomenclatures.
All the ministerial portfolios related to finance and economy were shared among a particular ethnic group. This is not the Nigeria we want and Nigeria cannot continue like this.
Tinubu said he will cut cost of governance by limiting his entourage on foreign trips to 20 persons. The entourage to Qatar included 3 members of the Tinubu immediate and extended family, 35 members of main body who arrived in 2 separate jets and an advance team estimated at 40 persons who also flew in a separate jet. All in all, 3 jets from the presidential fleet landed in Qatar, with about 70 persons, excluding flight crew of 15 persons for 3 aircrafts.
To think that in this same badly scripted and shabbily executed Qatar outing, the president told the world and of course the supposed potential Qataress investors that bribery is evidient in the Nigerian investment sphere. Why Mr Tinubu talks and acts without thinking first baffles the mind.
Is there nobody advising our President, or is he just surrounded by only sycophants and hypocrites. One at this juncture could conclude that he does not listen to anybody. He just does what he wants, not caring what the thoughts of others are or the short or long reaching effects of his actions are.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs should resign for breach of protocol and gross disrespect to his office.
And I would like to ask or repeat the question posted by Dr Reuben Abati, who asked “Are the sons of the President not gainfully employed?”. And I also want to remind Sade, Seyi and Yinka that they are adults and not dependents of the President. They should focus on their own careers. It will not surprise me if Bola Tinubu nominates Seyi Tinubu to succeed him in 2027.
Nigerians saw Buhari exit and waved him goodbye, Good riddance to very bad rubbish. Saying with confidence that nothing could be worse than Buhari and his clueless, extremely irresponsible, incompetent and quite dictatoral and nepotism ridding government. It is actually with subduing shock that the people of the land are experiencing what no one in that nation of more than two million people had envisaged. One at this point wonders what those who campaigned and voted for him are saying. Whare are the El Rufais, The Fani Kayodes, Asari Dukugbo the toad, Wole Soyinka ‘the naughty prof’ and such? Let them come out now and explain to the hungry, bewildered, overwhelmed and extremely angry Nigerians, what the hell is going on.
It will be a battle we will fight against and defend Nigeria from an emerging Emperor and perhaps Pharaoh, God keep us alive till then!
