Tinubu Used First Year in Office to Study Buhari’s Failures

In a surprising turn of events, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has provided an explanation for President Bola Tinubu’s perceived poor performance in his first year in office. According to George, a long-time foe of Tinubu, the president has used his initial year to study and address the failures of the previous Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Tinubu’s Transition and Adjustment Period

• Understanding the Challenges Inherited from Buhari’s Tenure
  • After taking office, Tinubu recognized the need to thoroughly understand the challenges and failures of the Buhari administration. He dedicated significant time and effort to conducting a comprehensive review of the previous government’s policies, decisions, and their impact on the country.
  • By closely examining the Buhari era, Tinubu aimed to identify the root causes of Nigeria’s persistent problems, including economic stagnation, security challenges, and widespread dissatisfaction among the populace.
• Adopting a Methodical Approach to Governance
  • Recognizing the complexities of leading a nation as diverse and dynamic as Nigeria, Tinubu adopted a methodical approach to his first year in office. He prioritized gathering in-depth information, analyzing data, and consulting with a wide range of stakeholders to gain a holistic understanding of the issues at hand.
  • This deliberate and careful approach, according to Bode George, reflects Tinubu’s desire to avoid the mistakes of the past and lay the foundation for meaningful and sustainable change.
• Addressing the Challenges of Inexperience
  • As a former governor of Lagos State, Tinubu had significant experience in state-level governance. However, the transition to the presidency presented new challenges that required a period of adjustment.
  • Bode George acknowledged that even former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a seasoned politician, needed time to adapt to the demands of the presidency during his first year in office.

Tinubu’s Efforts to Correct Buhari’s Failures

• Addressing Economic Stagnation
  • One of the key failures of the Buhari administration was its inability to effectively manage the country’s economy, leading to stagnation and a decline in the standard of living for many Nigerians.
  • Tinubu has recognized the urgency of this issue and has dedicated significant resources to developing a comprehensive economic strategy. This includes, but is not limited to, policy reforms, targeted investments, and initiatives to stimulate growth and create jobs.
• Tackling Security Challenges
  • The Buhari administration was widely criticized for its failure to address the persistent security challenges faced by the country, including the ongoing insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and communal conflicts in various regions.
  • Tinubu has made security a top priority, working to strengthen the capacity of security agencies, enhance intelligence-gathering efforts, and foster collaboration with community leaders and stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to these complex issues.
• Improving Public Service Delivery
  • The Buhari administration was often criticized for its inefficient and bureaucratic approach to public service delivery, leading to delays, red tape, and a lack of responsiveness to the needs of citizens.
  • Tinubu has initiated a series of reforms aimed at streamlining government processes, enhancing transparency, and improving the overall quality of public service delivery. This includes the implementation of digital technologies, the reduction of unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, and the empowerment of public sector employees.

Tinubu’s Engagement with Stakeholders

• Fostering Inclusive Dialogue
  • Recognizing the diversity of Nigeria’s political landscape, Tinubu has made a concerted effort to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including opposition parties, civil society organizations, and regional leaders.
  • Through these dialogues, Tinubu aims to build consensus, address concerns, and find common ground in addressing the country’s pressing issues.
• Addressing Regional Imbalances
  • One of the criticisms leveled against the Buhari administration was its perceived neglect of certain regions and its failure to address longstanding regional imbalances.
  • Tinubu has vowed to take a more inclusive approach, ensuring that the needs and concerns of all regions are represented in his policy decisions and development initiatives.
• Strengthening Institutional Capacity
  • Tinubu has recognized the importance of strengthening the institutional capacity of government agencies and ministries to ensure effective policy implementation and service delivery.
  • To this end, he has initiated a series of capacity-building programs, invested in infrastructure and technology upgrades, and encouraged a culture of professionalism and accountability within the public sector.

Tinubu’s Efforts to Rebuild Trust and Credibility

• Addressing Corruption and Transparency
  • The Buhari administration’s efforts to combat corruption were often criticized for their selective nature and perceived lack of tangible results.
  • Tinubu has vowed to take a more comprehensive and impartial approach to tackling corruption, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
• Restoring Confidence in the Political Process
  • The Buhari administration faced allegations of political interference and a perceived lack of impartiality in the electoral process.
  • Tinubu has pledged to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, ensure fair and transparent elections, and restore the confidence of citizens in the political process.
• Engaging with the International Community
  • The Buhari administration’s foreign policy was often criticized for its perceived isolationist approach and lack of diplomatic engagement.
  • Tinubu has sought to reestablish Nigeria’s presence on the global stage, engaging with international partners, attracting foreign investment, and positioning the country as a key player in regional and global affairs.

Tinubu’s Vision for the Future

• Developing a Comprehensive Development Agenda
  • Tinubu has recognized the need for a long-term, sustainable development plan that addresses the country’s multifaceted challenges and sets the stage for sustained growth and prosperity.
  • This plan will likely encompass a range of initiatives, including infrastructure development, diversification of the economy, investment in human capital, and the promotion of social and environmental sustainability.
• Fostering National Unity and Cohesion
  • One of the persistent challenges facing Nigeria has been the issue of national unity and cohesion, with various regions and ethnic groups often feeling marginalized or underrepresented.
  • Tinubu has vowed to prioritize the promotion of national unity, emphasizing the shared values and aspirations of all Nigerians, and working to bridge the divides that have historically plagued the country.

Investing in the Future Generation

• • • Recognizing the importance of investing in the country’s youth, Tinubu has pledged to prioritize education, skills development, and job creation, ensuring that the next generation of Nigerians are equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.