The Man Who said ‘Emilokan’: A Retrospective Look at Tinubu’s Chess Moves from Campaign to Presidency

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As heads continue to roll in Bola Tinubu’s administration, barely two weeks old, Nigerian public servants who have soiled their hands by misappropriating public funds and misused their offices can only wait their turn as the sword of Damocles hangs over their necks.

Bola Tinubu, a giant political figure in Nigeria with a track record as a business-minded workaholic, gained media traction during the presidential campaign period before the elections, in which he made the statement ‘Emilokan’, which translates from Yoruba language as ‘it is my turn’. The statement earned him knocks from some Nigerians as one that connotes ‘entitlement’, further fueling the underlying narrative that politics in Nigeria is, according to some, the preserve of a select few who pass the ball amongst themselves – a game.

Looking in retrospect, one might deem it too early to start saying Tinubu’s statements were founded on the realization of his capabilities to maneuver Nigeria from a ditch into global relevance and economic recovery. Time will tell.

A brief look at Bola Tinubu’s first two weeks in office has revealed that major steps have been taken in setting the nation back on a trajectory of economic recovery and relief, in comparison to previous administrations. Major decisions starting with the prompt announcement of fuel subsidy removal, although the Petroleum Act and budget from former President Buhari’s administration cover subsidies till June, are still feats credited to his administration.

Bola Tinubu, who was sworn in on May 29, has since made waves in his first few weeks in office, at least in comparison to past administrations. This begs the question of the logic behind some speculations by some concerning his ability to deliver effectively with his health conditions. Is a leader’s capacity measured in physical strength or emotional intelligence? The rest of the administration will tell.

Tinubu has since met with the governors of the 36 states, charging all to shelve their differences and work for the greater good. He has also met with the service chiefs and the National Security Adviser in a move to reiterate the importance of intelligence and information sharing to effectively fight terrorism.

Following the ensuing crisis from fuel subsidy removal, he met with major oil marketers to look into cushioning the effects of subsidy removal. Additionally, he charged the National Economic Council (NEC) led by Vice President Shettima to look into palliatives to the fuel subsidy impact.

As if that were not enough, the administration has also stopped the planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) following a hike in the pump price of PMS by announcing dialogue and negotiations. Tinubu has also signed the Electricity bill into law, which will deregulate the monopoly and allow private individuals, companies, and governments to generate and distribute electricity apart from the power company that has held that right.

While Nigerians await developments regarding the suspension and arrest of CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on alleged charges of different sorts, and other reform moves that may follow, one can say that President Bola Tinubu is waving off the false perception held concerning him by some Nigerians. We keep our fingers crossed and look forward to quality governance from the presidency as it continues in its public office reforms and chessboard moves to revamp Nigeria on all fronts.

Long live Nigeria.

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