Oluwole Oke, a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s performance in his first two years in office, lauding him as the “most civil and tolerant President Nigeria has ever had.” Oke, who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, emphasized the Tinubu administration’s respect for fundamental human rights, highlighting the absence of harassment or persecution against critics despite facing opposition from various quarters, including within the ruling All Progressives Congress and the President’s own southwestern base. This, he noted, marks a significant departure from the practices of previous administrations. Oke’s commendation underscores a key aspect of Tinubu’s leadership, suggesting a more open and democratic approach to governance, where dissent is tolerated and fundamental rights are upheld.
A significant focus of Oke’s praise centers on Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies. Oke describes this decision as a courageous move that has broken the hold of vested interests and redirected public funds to the federation account for equitable distribution as mandated by the constitution. This bold step, while initially met with some public resistance, is presented by Oke as a crucial measure for fiscal transparency and fair allocation of resources. Furthermore, Oke highlighted the administration’s focus on youth empowerment, exemplified by the establishment of a student loan fund and the appointment of a significant number of young Nigerians to ministerial and leadership positions within various government agencies. This emphasis on youth involvement, Oke argues, is unprecedented in Nigerian presidential history.
Oke also lauded Tinubu’s accomplishments on the international stage. He highlighted successful diplomatic engagements, including securing a $2.5 billion agricultural investment from Brazil, as evidence of the restoration of Nigeria’s international credibility. This renewed confidence, according to Oke, is reflected in Nigeria’s removal from the International Monetary Fund’s debtor list, signaling a positive shift in the country’s economic standing. The lawmaker’s statement emphasizes the Tinubu administration’s proactive role in international relations and its commitment to attracting foreign investment to bolster the nation’s economic development.
The lawmaker further commended President Tinubu’s dedication to peace and security within Nigeria. He pointed to the President’s engagement with traditional and religious leaders, his non-interference in the operations of anti-corruption agencies, and ongoing reforms within the security architecture as indicators of visionary leadership. Oke underscored the importance of shared responsibility in maintaining security, urging citizens to actively support the government’s efforts to safeguard the nation. He also noted wage increases for Nigerian workers under Tinubu’s administration, further contributing to the narrative of positive change and progress.
Oke’s assessment paints a picture of a transformational leader driving change across multiple sectors in Nigeria. He presents Tinubu as a champion of economic reform, youth empowerment, and international diplomacy, while also prioritizing peace, security, and good governance. The removal of fuel subsidies, seen by some as a controversial move, is framed by Oke as a necessary step for economic stability and fairness. Similarly, the focus on youth empowerment and the appointment of young leaders are presented as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to building a future for the next generation.
In concluding his commendation, Oke declared that President Tinubu has delivered on multiple fronts, encompassing the economy, human rights, education, international relations, security, and governance. He attributes these achievements to Tinubu’s courageous and compassionate leadership, portraying him as a pivotal figure in shaping a “new Nigeria.” This positive assessment, although coming from a member of the ruling party, offers a perspective on the perceived impact of Tinubu’s early presidency, highlighting key policy decisions and their purported positive outcomes. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this is one perspective, and a more comprehensive analysis would require examining various viewpoints and considering the broader socio-political context.
